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COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY REGARDING TELECOMMUNICATION CHALLENGES  - Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Close About Us History Functions and Structure FY 2026 Budget Honor Roll Rules of the 36th Legislative Youth Advisory Council Application Careers Archives Legislative Archives Tours × St. Thomas Senators  St. John Senators  St.Croix Senators  Districts All Senators St. Croix St. Thomas - St. John Senator at Large × Committees Committee of the Whole Budget, Appropriation and Finance Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Economic Development and Agriculture Education and Workforce Development Government Operations, Veteran Affairs and Consumer Protection Health, Hospitals and Human Services Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications Rules and Judiciary Session Folder × No event found! Calendars Bi-Weekly Senate Calendar Session Agenda × Dialog window Dialog window General Senators Committees Media Calendars Contact HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS | Press Releases | Senator Marvin A. Blyden COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY REGARDING TELECOMMUNICATION CHALLENGES  Published: Jan 24, 2024 Search for: ST. THOMAS – The 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications, led by Senator Marvin A. Blyden convened, Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers received updates concerning network and other issues impacting the quality of cellular service and the plans to address the issues. Additionally, the status of present infrastructure projects and plans for future development, plans for improving and expanding customer service, connection speeds, and service coverage areas in the US Virgin Islands, and challenges regarding coordination between telecommunications providers and government agencies, and the affordability of internet access in general was discussed. Senator Blyden, the Chair of the Committee, called for a hearing to investigate and find solutions to the persistent issues faced by numerous residents in the territory, stemming from inadequate cellular service. A previous hearing about this matter had been held in October 2023. The lengthy agenda included updates on network issues affecting service quality, the status of ongoing infrastructure projects, plans for future development, improvements in customer service, connection speeds, service coverage areas, and challenges in coordination between telecommunications providers and government agencies. Testimonies were presented by key figures, addressing concerns related to infrastructure, education, broadband challenges, and regulatory matters. Chairman Blyden stated that providing affordable high-speed internet is as crucially important as connecting rural Americans to electricity and telephone lines was generations ago. He said there was an increasing divide of life chances and opportunities between people with high-speed internet access and those who do not. Blyden lamented the fact that Virgin Islanders are regularly experiencing times where they are unable to use their mobile phones to get online, or to call for help. He called it dreadfully wrong and stated that it must be addressed. Derek Gabriel, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, submitted a written statement to the Committee which highlighted instances of unpermitted work by Liberty Mobile which negatively affected VINGN and VIYA infrastructure. Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Commissioner of the Department of Education, discussed the role of telecommunications in enhancing education, with plans for surveillance cameras, crisis alert systems, and improved internet bandwidth in schools. Jenifer O’Neal, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, addressed broadband challenges in the territory and the BEAD program, which aims to provide broadband service to underserved locations.  Illean Canellas-Correa, Managing Corporate Counsel from T-Mobile VI, provided insights into T-Mobile’s operations, network expansions, and contingency plans. Sandra Setorie, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission, discussed regulatory steps taken, challenges with Liberty VI cellular service, and the Connect USVI State two funding. Ravindra Maywahlall, Liberty VI Country Manager, reported on upgrades to the mobile network, FirstNet site launches, and the ongoing migration process from AT&T to Liberty.  Mr. Stephan Adams, CEO of Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN), discussed the use of FEMA funds for network restoration, mitigation, and resiliency projects. The plan includes expanding WIFI in public spaces, deploying internet hotspots, and covering critical facilities with Wi-Fi. Andrew Smith, CEO of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, emphasized WAPA’s role in providing infrastructure access to telecommunications and broadband providers.  Geraldine Pitt, CEO of Viya, outlined Viya’s transformation plans, customer service improvements, and infrastructure projects like VIFiber, FTTP, and the deployment of 5G. She also highlighted challenges faced, including power outages impacting service. The Affordable Connectivity Program’s imminent funding end was mentioned, affecting over 5,000 households in the territory and millions more around the nation. Senators Blyden and Marise James, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the committee, noted that they have written to Congress about the not to extend funding for this vitally important program, and there was discussion about the possibility of continuing the program locally with GVI funds. Chairman Blyden voiced major concern over network reliability and speed, as it related to Liberty Mobile. Blyden gave an example of his own staff members, using cell phones on LibertyVI and competing providers, and performing speed tests on both, stating that Liberty had performed at much less than 1/4 the speed of other providers on island. Blyden expressed concern over the LibertyVI complaints and hope for prompt resolutions and vowed to organize a follow up meeting. Senators present at today’s committee hearing included Marvin A. Blyden, Marise C. James, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Samuel Carriόn, Diane T. Capehart, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Alma Francis Heyliger, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Ray Fonseca, Kenneth L. Gittens, Franklin D. Johnson, Carla J. Joseph, and Milton E. Potter. The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit legvi.org. #### Find More Search for: Categories News Observances Press Releases Special Events Related Content COMMITTEE REVIEWS FY 2027 EXECUTIVE BUDGET REQUESTS FOR GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, AND BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES July 23, 2026 ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for... 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