According to a media release from Digicel, the investment will involve the doubling of capacity in existing cell towers and the constructing of newly built LTE sites.

This initiative is expected to increase bandwidth and coverage for all customers, resulting in faster internet speeds.

Speaking on the upgrades, Digicel’s newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer, Mara Samaniego said the investment comes amid COVID-19, but at a time when it will benefit a number of residents.

“Digicel is investing in its own network at a time of uncertainty, but when we know that our customers need it the most. Once completed, we will be able to serve even more residential customers with reliable internet for their entertainment, business, or educational needs,” she stated.

The upgrades have commenced on the sister islands of Virgin Gorda and Anegada, and according to Digicel, those residents and businesses in the areas of Copper Mine, The Baths and the Settlement have already reported better coverage and increased internet speeds.

The other areas across the territory which will have improved services include Road Town, Cane Garden Bay, Parham Town, Greenland, Lambert, Josiah’s Bay, Carrot Bay, Sea Cows Bay, West End, and Ridge Road on Tortola.

Virgin Gorda’s Nail Bay and Spanish Town will be next to receive upgrades, along with Jost Van Dyke and other areas of Anegada.

Government’s push for better internet services

This announcement follows the recent push by the government to have better internet services in the territory.

In March this year, Premier Andrew Fahie advised the new heads of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) Board to hire an attorney, if needed, to solve the current internet issues affecting the territory.

The British Virgin Islands has been rated as having one of the most expensive internet rates with underperforming internet speeds in the world.