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Internet service must improve ‘even if it means inviting new players’- Premier Fahie

- said technology & innovation are keys to continued success of VI
Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), seen here speaking at the ‘BVI's Digital Economy symposium’ at Maria’s by the Sea today, December 3, 2019, stressed that technology and innovation are keys to the continued success of the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS/Facebook
The ‘BVI's Digital Economy symposium’ brings together stakeholders from the public sector, private sector, banking, financial services commission, information communication and technology, legal and compliance to participate in the discussion as the Government of the Virgin Islands explores the prospect of the VI being a hub for Financial Technology. Photo: GIS/Facebook
The ‘BVI's Digital Economy symposium’ brings together stakeholders from the public sector, private sector, banking, financial services commission, information communication and technology, legal and compliance to participate in the discussion as the Government of the Virgin Islands explores the prospect of the VI being a hub for Financial Technology. Photo: GIS/Facebook
The three main internet providers in the Virgin Islands are Digicel, Flow and CCT Global Communications. Photo: Internet Source
The three main internet providers in the Virgin Islands are Digicel, Flow and CCT Global Communications. Photo: Internet Source
Some of the participants of the ‘BVI's Digital Economy symposium’ at Maria’s by the Sea today, December 3, 2019. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Some of the participants of the ‘BVI's Digital Economy symposium’ at Maria’s by the Sea today, December 3, 2019. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- With unreliable internet service despite the high costs a bugbear for ordinary citizens as well as businesses, and now the Government of the Virgin Islands seeking to embrace technology and innovation as opportunities for development of the economy, internet service providers have been put on notice to get their act together or risk seeing additional competition entering the market in the Virgin Islands (VI).

Speaking today, December 3, 2019 at the opening of the ‘BVI's Digital Economy symposium’ at Maria’s by the Sea, a one day event to invoke discussion on this new driver of development for the Virgin Islands, Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) stressed that technology and innovation are keys to the continued success of the Virgin Islands.

Cabinet looks forward to approving ICT Plan

He added that Cabinet looks forward to approving the Territory’s first National Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Policy, Strategy and Implementation Plan.

Premier Fahie explained that the ICT Plan has set the following vision for the Territory: Agile VI - Connected, Resilient, Smart. “This Plan, when implemented, will allow the Territory to leverage ICT to foster innovation, diversify the economy and expedite the Territory’s transformation into a digital economy.”

Reliable internet service critical

In embracing the vision for the development of the Territory and the role of technology; however, Premier Fahie acknowledged the critical need for reliable internet service, something which is painfully lacking in the territory, despite three major service providers.

“We understand the challenges our citizens and business community face with the reliability of Internet service. We agree that it must be overcome, even if it means inviting new players into our market to improve broadband speeds for customers and lower prices.”

Earlier this year, Premier Fahie had described the state of internet service in the Territory as a “technological crisis”.

In a statement on May 13, 2019, the Premier said it is self-evident that a modern communication network is crucial for the development of every economy, including in the [British] Virgin Islands.

“The people of the Virgin Islands and those we do business with have become very concerned about (a) the reliability of our internet services and (b) the cost of it.

“The current state of affairs is hampering our economic growth,” Premier Fahie had stated.

In was in November 2017 that an international report had listed the Virgin Islands as having one of the most expensive and “underperforming” internet services worldwide.

Partnerships & cooperation

Premier Fahie noted today that, overall, his Government believes in partnerships and cooperation and in creating win-win-win solutions. “Our philosophy is BVILOVE, where people are welcome to live, visit, work, and invest.”

Meanwhile, the symposium brings together stakeholders from the public sector, private sector, banking, financial services commission, information communication and technology, legal and compliance to participate in the discussion as the Government of the Virgin Islands explores the prospect of the VI being a hub for Financial Technology.

17 Responses to “Internet service must improve ‘even if it means inviting new players’- Premier Fahie”

  • Really? (03/12/2019, 15:28) Like (44) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr Fahie, I dont think they need to get not ah blasted act together.....they all had donkey yrs to do so but instead they continue to raise rates with worst service every yr.....PLEASE PUT UR FOOT DOWN AND INVITE OTHER PLAYERS TO SET UP AND GIVE US WHAT WE NEED.... Thank u very much
  • WHAT!!! (03/12/2019, 15:46) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Read on the news a short while ago that the government had given them all another 2 years to get their sh** together.
  • Agree (03/12/2019, 15:56) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    I approve that statement Premier Fahie. The internet service in the BVI is the worst in the Caribbean. We pay sooooo much for the worst service.
  • Eagle Eye (03/12/2019, 17:07) Like (13) Dislike (11) Reply
    Elmarko talked his mouth off now you come afterwards doing the same thing.we want action.
  • 5G (03/12/2019, 17:09) Like (65) Dislike (47) Reply
    Here comes the new competitors with their 5G network to kill us off like sheep’s, cancer rate will be through the roof, animals such as birds and fish will die at an extremely fast rate, people better read about 5G like their lives depended on it
    • I like you (04/12/2019, 11:15) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Many won’t care as long as they get to watch their movies a few seconds faster... But for those who care ... its time to make an exit plan...If you know you know..
  • All talk no action (03/12/2019, 18:40) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    Every single one of the phone companies have been screwing us in more than one way, FOR YEARSSSS. Now, Digicel think they're slick bringing out an updated app so you can track your plan and credit....but what they wouldn't tell you is that the app is not very accurate and it will eat off your credit and data
  • Mash One (03/12/2019, 19:45) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    People,please take the time out and look into the dangers of 5G.It’s about time people check what the scientists who have studied the long term effects of 5G. You will be amazed. Just check it out and tell me what you think. Facts or fiction.
    • T-Mobile (03/12/2019, 20:42) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
      There are different standards of 5G each suited to different population densities and speed requirements. The ones suited to BVI's size will not pose the dangers you read about.

      The one suited for very high populations and speed is the one China absolutely dominates, so that is why the news media are demonizing it.
  • okay (03/12/2019, 21:24) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Before all this talk about 5G become.an issue for some, let the record show that internet rates here have always been ridiculously high, and for no other reason than greed.
  • Must. I agree (03/12/2019, 23:16) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I try flow. Digicel. Now I'm with CCT. I'm looking for money value. Its hard. It always wait until u doing something important to turn yoyo on you.
  • Hog Tail (04/12/2019, 07:06) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    Put your foot on their necks them is thief
  • Online Now (04/12/2019, 09:03) Like (9) Dislike (11) Reply
    The politicians keep saying the same thing but nothing changes. What are you going to do about it Fahie?
  • The TRUTH (04/12/2019, 10:30) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    FLOW speed aint bad but the unlimited data plan is too high.
  • Windy (04/12/2019, 10:58) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    It would have been nice to see the meeting live streaming on the internet. OH that's right it's not fast enough.
  • GREED (05/12/2019, 00:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is not a good thing the service providers are so comfortable they don't even compete ppl talking about 5g we dont have to get 5g we can greatly improve and maximize what we have but digi omg sky high for no reason


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