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Government of the United States Virgin Islands Public Services Commission psc.vi.gov psc.info@psc.vi.gov P.O. Box 40 St. Thomas, VI 00804 1003 Estate Ross Suite 4, St. Thomas, VI, 00802 (340) 776-1291 P.O. Box 7360 Christiansted, VI 00823 Estate Carlton Suite 1 & 2 Frederiksted, St. Croix, VI, 00840 (340) 778-6010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 003-26-01 Thursday, February 19, 2026 Media Contact: Symra Hendrickson – Public Communication Coordinator (340) 776-1291 symra.hendrickson@psc.vi.gov Telecommunications Update: Broadband VI Reports Progress, Delays, and FCC Certification Impacts for Connect VI Deployment U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Public Services Commission (PSC) today announces continued progress in the territory’s broadband expansion efforts following a comprehensive status update from Broadband VI LLC regarding its Connect VI deployment. During the Commission meeting held on February 17, 2026, Broadband VI reported on construction milestones, federal reporting requirements, and strengthened coordination with territorial agencies. While the company formally notified the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on January 14, 2026, that it had not met the required 60 percent build-out milestone by December 31, 2025, the PSC emphasized that significant groundwork had now been laid to accelerate deployment moving forward. In its report to the PSC, Broadband VI attributed earlier delays primarily to pole attachment approvals with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) and permitting timelines with the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW). Although an interim pole attachment agreement was established in May 2024, a permanent agreement with WAPA was finalized on March 4, 2025. Following the execution of that agreement, WAPA expanded contractor capacity and advanced structural and load analyses, significantly accelerating pole attachment activity in late 2025. Similarly, DPW issued a partial order in January 2025, allowing certain approved BBVI projects to resume. Continued coordination is underway to align underground conduit installations with road construction initiatives. These collaborative efforts reflect improved interagency processes and a shared commitment to expanding broadband access across the Virgin Islands. Broadband VI also secured a long-term Indefeasible Right of Use agreement on October 27, 2025, with Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (VI NGN), enabling the company to leverage existing underground infrastructure to support ongoing deployment commitments and reduce redundancy in construction. As of year-end 2025, Broadband VI reported passing 17,514 homes, with totals nearing 19,000 at the time of the PSC meeting. Based on previously discussed totals of approximately 46,000 serviceable locations, Broadband VI projects that it can meet the 60 percent benchmark by the end of 2026, subject to FCC determinations. In December 2025, the FCC released an updated serviceable location fabric, and on February 5, 2026, opened a filing window for Connect USVI carriers to request adjustments. Broadband VI stated it is actively reviewing the revised location data and preparing any necessary filings, noting that adjustments could affect the milestone calculations and timelines. The PSC emphasized its success in fostering enhanced coordination among Broadband VI, WAPA, DPW, VI NGN, and federal partners. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to regulatory oversight, transparency, and proactive engagement to remove barriers to deployment. “The Commission remains steadfast in its mission to ensure reliable, affordable, and modern telecommunications services for the people of the Virgin Islands,” the PSC stated. “We stand ready to assist in clarifying permitting processes or resolving interagency matters as deployment progresses.” The Commission will continue to monitor progress and provide updates to the public as the Connect VI initiative advances toward expanded broadband access throughout the Territory. Commissioner Laura Nichols Sams formally rescinded her position as Chair of the Commission, considering her recent appointments to the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (MACRUC) and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), which will require significant time and regional coordination responsibilities. Following her decision, the Commission unanimously elected Commissioner David Hughes to serve as Chair. Commissioner Nichols Sams will serve as the vice chair of the Commission and contribute her expertise in her new regional and national regulatory roles. Commissioners Raymond Williams, along with ex officio members Senator Carla Joseph and Senator Hubert Frederick, were also in attendance at the meeting. ### For recent news releases, more information on the PSC, and easy access to information on utility issues visit our website at psc.vi.gov. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VIPSC1965.