National

Cable Bahamas Drives Digital Future for Eleuthera Small Businesses

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Small businesses on the family islands have long faced structural challenges, but now Cable Bahamas has joined the conversation saying artificial intelligence and expanded connectivity could level the playing field.

Published

5 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Chinasa Outten

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – For years doing business on the family islands like Eleuthera meant working against the odds, as businesses face smaller customer bases, high shipping costs, seasonal tourism, and the loss of talent to Nassau or abroad.

However, according to President of Consumer Solutions and Marketing, Amber Carey, at Cable Bahamas Group of Companies, that reality is quickly changing.

Speaking at a Bahamas business outlook seminar, Carey revealed that nearly 77% of people are already using artificial intelligence at times without even realizing it.

Now, that technology is opening doors for small businesses like never before.

Amber Carey – President of Consumer Solutions and Marketing at Cable Bahamas Group of Companies

“AI is no longer experimental technology, it’s becoming part of how businesses work everywhere. So the real question in 2026 becomes, can a small business based in Eleuthera compete nationally or even globally? For the first time, the honest answer is yes.”

Carey says digital access is now the strongest tool for family island businesses looking to expand beyond their borders.

However, before AI can truly make an impact, she says reliable connectivity must come first, which is where Cable Bahamas and ALIV comes in, providing major investments aimed at strengthening infrastructure across Eleuthera.

Amber Carey – President of Consumer Solutions and Marketing at Cable Bahamas Group of Companies

“We are adding an additional subsea fiber ring from Norman’s Cay into Tarpon Bay. We’re also launching a brand new LTE tower in Governor’s Harbour next month that will give much relief to the eastern side of Governor’s Harbour. With two more towers on the way next year.”

Those upgrades are part of a broader $2 million capital project, designed to improve network resilience, especially in Southern Eleuthera.

With internet penetration in the Bahamas now at about 95%, the country is already one of the most connected in the Caribbean.

However, Carey says the next step is ensuring businesses have the skills and tools to take full advantage.

She paints a future where vacation rental owners can use AI to automatically book guests, respond to inquiries, and even adjust pricing based on demand – a shift she says is already happening.

Amber Carey – President of Consumer Solutions and Marketing at Cable Bahamas Group of Companies

“How do we make sure islands like Eleuthera are not [only] following the digital change, but helping [to] lead it? It only works when businesses have a reliable connectivity behind it. That’s why continued fiber expansion and broadband investment across communities like Eleuthera matters so much.

“It’s not just about faster internet, it’s about making sure local businesses have the tools to reach new customers, operate more efficiently, and compete beyond the island.”

With investments now underway, Carey says the message is clear – the digital shift isn’t coming, it’s already here.