Rymer pledges support to improve telecoms in BVI
Minister for Communications Kye Rymer has pledged his support to the continued improvement and development of the telecommunications sector in the Virgin Islands.
Rymer was addressing celebrations to observe World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2022, at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park last week.
The Minister extended congratulations to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) and added that although the day is observed on May 17, the event was held after the date in a sub-theme, ‘Bridging the Generational Divide’ and was an effort to bring awareness to the purpose of the TRC.
“The commission is responsible for promoting the development of Telecommunications throughout the Virgin Islands. It is governed by the Telecommunications Act, 2006 which was adopted in June 2006 and published in October 2006. It advises on telecommunications policies internationally and regionally and protects the interests of users of telecommunication services,” Rymer noted.
The Minister said the TRC also establishes and monitors the implementation of national telecommunications standards and ensures compliance. He said responsibility for the regulation of licensees and authorisation holders also rests with the commission.
“Ensuring fair competition among licensees and all other operators of telecommunication networks or providers of telecommunications services also falls within its purview. The TRC, where appropriate, investigates complaints by users of their failure to obtain compensation from public suppliers or other licensees in respect of rates, billings and services provided, and facilitates relief where necessary,” the Communications Minister said.
Chief Executive Officer of the TRC, Guy Malone stated that the team at the commission is working in an ever-growing and ever-changing industry, filled with unique issues and setbacks.
“We aim to be a top-class, innovative, regulatory body at the commission by flawlessly accepting those setbacks and facing them head-on,” Malone stated.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the TRC Vance Lewis spoke of the importance of the internet for information, adding that digital technology has also changed lives in ways that hitherto would be unimaginable.
“As the regulator for communications in the British Virgin Islands, the TRC continues to celebrate this constant evolution, with increasing awareness of the vital role that communication plays,” Lewis added.
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All these guys do is talk and take pictures but nothing changes and the bills get higher and the service gets worse
Exactly, all these man does do is post pictures when they all been in place and we got some of the worst service around.
Your comment is on point. We have been crying out about the injustice in this area for so many years, yet our cries continue to fall on deaf ears. Any talk about improvements in this area is just talk. There is a lack of effort when it comes to effecting actual change and improvement. All ministers have failed us this far and I see nothing to indicate that anything is about to change.
Here’s the simple solution. The government tells the telecom companies to reduce rates and improve service or the government will suspend your license to provide services in the BVI. The simple answer of why this isn’t done is that the Ninisters are corrupt and paid off by the Telecom companies. Get rid of all these third world companies and let AT&T in. No telecom problems in the USVI just a couple miles away!!!
you make too much sense for the bvi government to actually listen
soon. Affordable satellite phone and internet coming here soon and nothing these stuffed shirts can do about it except get out of the way!
The ministers will try to block Starlink ( starlink.com) probably on the grounds that it doesnt have a trade license. Really on the grounds that they cant get a kickback.
TRC allegedly controlled by CCT aka share holders club keep the profits rolling in for all three cell companies
Telecommunications is above these 4
Something must be done post haste! I will be filing a complaint against a provider who continues to provide 50% of my contracted plan and continues to charge me 100% monthly. Lack of equipment on hand does not warrant this blatant injustice!
ALL Telecommunications are owned by Cable and Wireless, the last great colonial era company. Everybody else just rents.
If Rhymer means business, he will explore talks with ATT, to allow us consumers a competitive, accountable marketplace.
And yes, C&W has been gobbled up by Libery Media, but the monopolistic, roughshod tactics are likely still in place. I’d be curious to see what they say if negotiations with ATT were announced. When it happened a few decades ago, C&W announced that it owned the phone lines and if negotiations proceeded, it would have all comms shut down in 4 days.
(of course, a business like ATT would likely view our proudly and steadfastly corrupt identity as more of a headache than it’s worth.)
ALL Telecommunications are owned by Cable and Wireless, the last great colonial era company. Everybody else just rents.
If Rhymer means business, he will explore talks with ATT, to allow us consumers a competitive, accountable marketplace.
And yes, C&W has been gobbled up by Libery Media, but the monopolistic, roughshod tactics are likely still in place. I’d be curious to see what they say if negotiations with ATT were announced. When it happened a few decades ago, C&W announced that it owned the phone lines and if negotiations proceeded, it would have all comms shut down in 4 days.
(of course, a business like ATT would likely view our proudly and steadfastly corrupt identity as more of a headache than it’s worth.)