The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and BVI Cable TV have reached an agreement on the sharing of the pole infrastructure to allow for both companies to serve the Virgin Islands community.

Chairman of the BVIEC, Mrs. Rosemarie Flax stated, “I am pleased that both organisations were able to find common ground in advancing the best interest of all stakeholders in a manner that will add value to the economy of the Virgin Islands.”

Premier Fahie held a meeting on October 7, 2019 to listen to the concerns of BVIEC and BVI Cable TV regarding pole sharing. Chief Executive Officer of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Mr. Guy Malone was also present at the meeting.

Both parties came to a final decision on June 4 and BVI Cable TV will now be able to attach its infrastructure to poles owned by the BVIEC.

The companies have been in an ongoing dispute since the BVIEC replaced the Territory’s poles post hurricanes Irma and Maria. The parties could not reach an amicable agreement on several issues including the replacement of poles, rental rates, safety protocols and best practice.

Prior to the hurricanes of 2017, 55 percent of the pole infrastructure in the Virgin Islands belonged to BVIEC, FLOW owned 35 percent, and BVI Cable TV 10 percent.

Attached

• Photo 1:1- Reconstruction of poles in the Virgin Islands post Hurricanes Irma and Maria.