Government of BVI and C&WAgree on Liberalisation of Communications Market
BVI The Island Sun Newspaper
The BVI Government and Cable and Wireless(C&W) have agreed on a strategy to discuss the future environmentof communications within the territory. It was agreed that governmentofficials and Cable & Wireless and the BVI Government discussedthe key ingredients required for a successful competitive marketplace,having regard to international best practices.
Cable & Wireless also proposed a strategy for a phased andorderly transition to competition, which should include the establishmentof an independent and transparent regulator. Following the meeting,the Minister with responsibility for telecommunications, the HonourableJ. Alvin Christopher said, "While there will not be a renewalof a monopoly agreement when the current contract expires, myGovernment welcomes the opportunity to start discussions withCable & Wireless on the future structure of telecommunicationsin these islands. Cable & Wireless has taken a bold step intheir proposals and we are confident that an agreement can bereached on the way forward." Also speaking at the meeting,General Manager of Cable & Wireless BVI, Mr. Keith Lowe said,"Cable & Wireless understands that the Government ofthe BVI wants to move away from the current exclusive structurefor telecommunications and we are more than willing to discussand work with them to see how best this can be achieved."Mr. Lowe also expressed his pleasure with the reception that Cable& Wireless received from the Ministry during the presentationof its proposals.