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Liberty VI Blames Public Works For Fiber Cable Project Delays Putting $85 Million in Federal Funding at Risk
In addition to the rocky migration process that has angered and frustrated many former AT&T customers, Liberty VI’s undergrounding project for fiber cables has also encountered major challenges, placing almost $85 million in federal funding in jeopardy.
Through the Connect USVI program, Liberty was awarded partial funding to help it run underground fiber cables, a more resilient standard against natural disasters than the traditional pole-mounted cabling system common in the region. However, with the project teetering dangerously close to missing key deadlines, that funding could be rescinded – leaving the territory in uncertain territory when it comes to its modernization agenda in the telecommunications sector.
During last week’s meeting of the Senate Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications, Liberty Country Manager Ravindra Maywahlall told lawmakers that the Department of Public Works was the primary stumbling block.
“Permitting delays have not allowed us to build at the speed required to ensure we complete our milestones on time,” said Mr. Maywahlall, referring to the requirement to achieve at least 40 percent completion by the end of 2024, which translates into connecting 18,400 homes to fiber broadband. According to Mr. Maywahlall, 72 permit packages, covering over 19,000 homes, have been submitted to DPW. However to date, the agency has only “approved 18 permit packages that amount to approximately 4,000 home passes,” Mr. Maywahlall contended.
