The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, at its first meeting this month, extended the existing non-exclusive telecommunications licences held by Cable and Wireless Limited, Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited, and BVI Cable TV Limited. The licences are extended until March 31, 2007, all terms and conditions of each licence remaining valid and effective during this period.
This extension was pursuant to the new Telecommunications Act 2006, which came into effect on October 24, 2006 and provided for the liberalization of telecommunications in the British Virgin Islands.
Mr. David Iverson, Chief Executive Officer of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, appointed in October 2006, has given explanations on the matter of license extension: while the licences are non-exclusive, each licensee is still restricted to operating in its own current market, and therefore will not compete in new markets or experience competition from others, until the new 'unitary' licences are issued. He also added that the number of new licences is dependent on the Minister’s policy statement, which has not yet been issued but is expected in the near future.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission was established to regulate the telecommunications sector in the Territory after liberalisation. Its members are Chairman Mr. Joseph Archibald, Mr. Iverson, Q.C., Deputy Chairman Ms. Linell Abbott, and Mr. Mickey Farara.
At a time when the BVI is moving to liberalise its telecommunications sector, CCT Global Communications, which is the only mobile provider in the British Virgin Islands, has made an announcement in favour of the liberalisation process. One of the company's directors has said they believe that liberalisation will greatly benefit the economic and social development of the Territory and its people.
It should be noted that CCT and Cable & Wireless are the only two telecoms providers seeking to receive licences from government, as the liberalisation process continues. Another one application, currently examined by the BVI government, is from Digicel.
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