The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) announced the renewal of four unitary licences (The terms and conditions to be fulfilled by an operator for the duration of the licence.) on December 12, 2022 which enable the respective licensee to operate a telecommunications network and provide telecommunications services in the Virgin Islands.

Chief Executive Officer for the TRC, Mr. Guy Malone has said that it is indeed a proud moment for the Commission and the Territory to arrive at the culmination of executing the renewed unitary licences.

“The staff at the Commission and the group of communications business leaders across the Virgin Islands believe in the incredible and unlimited importance of economic advancement of the Telecommunications Industry in the Territory,” Mr. Malone said .The CEO commended the team at TRC for their diligence and perseverance in seeing the process to completion. 

Article 3.2 of the 2007 Unitary Licences include a provision governing each licensee’s right to apply for renewal by submission of a renewal application to the Commission no less than 12 months prior to the expiration date of its Licence term.

The four renewed licences were issued to BVI Cable TV Limited.; Cable & Wireless (BVI) Limited.; Caribbean Cellular Telephone Ltd.; and Digicel (BVI) Limited. The renewed Unitary Licences have been issued for a 15-year period, reflecting the prior term of their respective licences.

Chairman for the Commission, Mr. Vance Lewis said that he was proud of the Commission in this unparalleled undertaking.

“The respective companies all appeared ready to continue working hard to improve communications for the Territory during the next 15 years.  This unparalleled undertaking with the operators, not only point us towards a future that is more prosperous, secure and transparent, but the ability to achieve it, as well, with the updated terms and conditions for our service providers,” said Mr. Lewis.

This has been the first unitary licence renewal in the history of the Territory, and represents a momentous milestone occasion for the TRC and the Virgin Islands.  The year-long process involved in-depth review of applications, allowance for public comments, public hearings, compliance evaluations, and the revision of the terms and conditions of the unitary licences.

     The Commission’s decision in respect of each renewal has been summarised below: