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Eyes on TRC & ISPs as high internet use expected with 'social distancing'

- Opposition Leader calls on TRC, ISPs to boost internet data to meet demands
High internet use has been forecasted with 'social distancing' as such, Opposition Marlon A. Penn says the local TRC & ISPs must get into action to boost internet speeds. Photo: Internet Source
The Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn was at the time speaking at the Monday, March 16, 2020, Opposition Press Conference in the Board Room of the VI House of Assembly (HoA), giving recommendations to complement Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) government's strategy in response to the Coronavirus threat. Photo: Facebook
The Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn was at the time speaking at the Monday, March 16, 2020, Opposition Press Conference in the Board Room of the VI House of Assembly (HoA), giving recommendations to complement Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) government's strategy in response to the Coronavirus threat. Photo: Facebook
Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has called on the local Telecommunications Regulatory Commission as well as local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to get into action to meet internet demands. Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has called on the local Telecommunications Regulatory Commission as well as local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to get into action to meet internet demands. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - With the shift of some aspects of the Virgin Islands (VI) workforce to work-from-home solutions as part of social distancing in relation to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) response in the Territory, Opposition Leader Honourable Marlon A. Penn (R8) has called on the local Telecommunications Regulatory Commission as well as local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to get into action to meet internet demands.

"As a result of more people exercising social distancing and working from home, we will see an increase in the strain on the telecoms infrastructure, specific focus needs to be geared in this area to ensure proper continuity as it relates to our economy, and the dissemination of information," he said.

The Opposition Leader was at the time speaking at the Monday, March 16, 2020, Opposition Press Conference in the Conference Room of the office of the House of Assembly (HoA), giving recommendations to complement Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) government's strategy in response to the Coronavirus threat.

Technological task force

Hon Penn called for the deployment of a technological task force to overlook the management of the area, citing a need for this talk force to be able to implement quick technological advancements necessary in response to the virus and business sector. 

According to Hon Penn, government information on COVID-19 must also go through dedicated channels including on social media platforms, infographics on protocols, guidelines and strategies on all local news websites and social media groups, business continuity plan for remote access to government service.

"The TRC and telecoms providers must commission the long discussed internet exchange point, to facilitate the dissemination of local traffic that will occur because of the shift of the workforce. This will better facilitate virtual meeting [and] virtual learning environments for teachers and students," Hon Penn, who has called for the closure of schools for 30 to 60 days, said. 

He also said this improved access to the internet will aid in facilitating better access to government services online. As such, the TRC and broadband providers must beef up internet speeds and availability to account for the shift in the workforce.

9 Responses to “Eyes on TRC & ISPs as high internet use expected with 'social distancing'”

  • ccc (17/03/2020, 12:13) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    He like talk
  • Dulce (17/03/2020, 13:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Possible reason why I have no success paying BVIEC online.
  • east end (17/03/2020, 13:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon Penn taking over VINO headline after headline
  • parent (17/03/2020, 14:51) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes they need to especially CCT. If kids have to stay home and use the internet to do their school work then CCT will have to give us better service for our $99. They keep saying the traffic is too much in east end in the afternoon but they still adding more new customer to the already congested area.
    • first (17/03/2020, 17:07) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

      $99. Is not bad !!! DIGICEL charges $189. 

      • You don't know (18/03/2020, 06:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ first...
        CcT internet which is crap only gives you 4mbps download and 1mbps upload speed. Which is a total rip off for $99.
        DIGICEL now gives you up 15 and up Mbps on downloads and uploads speeds for $189..
        Now not are unlimited but CCT if you want to pay there higher cost for internet it still can not match digicel speeds. So there you go. But all of these wireless providers needs to do better. Just the other day they took over 60 dollars off my phone saying it expired. They want to give me a time limit as when I should use my money. I thought prepaid was pay as you go without the hassle of a bill but these thieves came up with a genius plan to robber you without a weapon.
  • test (17/03/2020, 14:53) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Let us pay keen attention to these players this is the time for the real test all the time they robbing poor people with our eyes wide open. Step up now keep the pressure on them TRC.
    • talk (17/03/2020, 16:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      nothing is going to change when we all see it believe it until then it is pure talk shop very poor service year after year
  • Leadership Matters! (18/03/2020, 00:59) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Thank you so much Hon Pen, for displaying Leadership Qualities at this point. I certainly Endorse your positive contributions towards the formation of a Hardship Fund..and here again, suggesting something the Unconventional Government should have called for from the TRC and IP; Boosting of Internet accessibility and delivery. Your Contributions are significant Hon Penn. Thank you


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