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.

'Proud moment for TRC'- Guy L. Malone

Chief Executive Officer for the TRC, Mr Guy L. 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 in a press release on December 20, 2022.

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 includes 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.

1st unitary licence renewal in VI history

Chairman for the Commission, Mr Vance M. 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 Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) is a statutory body responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector of the [British] Virgin Islands. The Commission is also responsible for promoting the development of telecommunications throughout the Virgin Islands (UK).