The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN) could see its fortunes revived through the “Diaspora Link” initiative, a key project championed in draft legislation by Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and introduced in the House Energy & Commerce Committee. According to viNGN CEO Stephan Adams, speaking to the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on Tuesday, this may be viNGN’s lifeline, as he predicted the entity could struggle to remain competitive within the next five years due to fierce competition from former customers.

Adams emphasized that without the financial capacity to rival these competitors, the future looked uncertain. Yet, the Diaspora Link offers a promising new revenue avenue and a glimmer of hope in response to the prevailing demands for reduced pricing. The initiative, conceived by Adams and his team, proposes establishing submarine fiber optic connections from the U.S. mainland’s east coast directly to the USVI, then extending to Nigeria and Ghana in Africa. The unanimously supported H.R. 3385 aims to position the USVI as a pivotal player on the global telecommunications stage.

Currently, there are no direct telecommunications links between continental Africa and the USA. Adams envisions that with Diaspora Link, including data centers and an independent power plant in the territory, it would foster considerable economic growth and sustainability for viNGN. He shared with Senator Samuel Carrion the added benefits of job creation and significant added value to the territory at no extra cost.

The successful passage of H.R. 3385 and subsequent presidential approval could initiate a year-long feasibility study by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Adams, the author of the white paper that spurred the initial legislation, is poised to steward Diaspora Link in the territory. He remains optimistic about the study’s positive outcome and the subsequent congressional funding decisions.

Highlighting the initiative’s critical importance, Adams told committee members that Diaspora Link would enhance the territorial relevance to the U.S., considering the broadband market’s competitive nature. Legislators, including Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity to monitor the study’s progress closely while preparing for all potential outcomes.

Senator Frett-Gregory voiced concerns about viNGN’s viability should Diaspora Link not proceed as hoped, stressing the need for robust contingency planning. She poignantly remarked on the project’s timeline: “I know, everything takes time. Sometimes I feel like time is forever,” capturing the mixture of anticipation and apprehension surrounding the initiative.

The legislative body of the U.S. Virgin Islands took decisive action against Liberty VI, a telecommunications provider, due to ongoing service quality issues. On Monday, a bill was passed unanimously, instructing the Public Services Commission (PSC) to lodge a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against Liberty Latin America, and its subsidiaries Liberty Mobile USVI and Liberty Mobile Puerto Rico. This move comes in the wake of Liberty VI’s less than satisfactory progress report in January regarding its transition from AT&T’s networks.

In a revealing session one day prior to a legislative hearing, the PSC’s executive director reported to the Committee on Government Operations about the constant stream of customer grievances regarding Liberty VI’s services. These complaints ranged from dropped calls and delayed texts to absent cellular service, problematic system updates, and billing issues.

At the heart of January’s hearing, Liberty VI’s newly appointed country manager, Ravindra Maywahlall, was unable to provide assurances to senators that the migration woes would be swiftly addressed. Senator Samuel Carrion expressed concerns that the subpar service was impacting the territory’s standard of living and business operations, stressing the need for the company to enhance its customer service.

Following an escalation in customer complaints, the PSC initiated an investigation into Liberty Mobile. The company, at the brink of finishing its challenging migration process by the end of February, faced potential regulatory actions if unable to show significant improvements in service delivery.

Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, in the March 25th Legislative Session, introduced Bill 35-0247, escalating the measures against Liberty VI. She highlighted the absence of customer service representatives in the territory, leaving customers with no option but to endure long waits on the 611 support line. She described the situation as Virgin Islanders being trapped and called for urgent action against what she termed a “dangerous unregulated industry.”

The bill saw widespread support from other senators. Senator Alma Francis Heyliger remarked on the communication challenges faced by customers post AT&T’s departure. She ominously warned of repercussions if Liberty VI’s promised migration completion by March 31st was not met, especially with their revised timeline suggesting a completion between March and April.

Senator Kenneth Gittens echoed the need for firm action against Liberty, urging another telecom provider, Viya, to improve its service. The consensus among legislators was clear: telecom providers must reassess and significantly improve their services for the people of the Virgin Islands.

The resolution was passed with unanimous support from all 12 senators present, marking a critical step towards addressing the telecom service quality issues in the territory.

The House of Representatives has recently endorsed H.R. 3385, better known as the DiasporaLink Act, a pioneering initiative led by Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. This groundbreaking measure mandates a comprehensive feasibility study by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information on the prospects of deploying a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. This cable is envisaged to forge a direct link between the United States and Africa via the U.S. Virgin Islands, marking a monumental stride towards bridging digital divides.

Congresswoman Plaskett has lauded the bill’s approval, highlighting its dual significance in bolstering America’s national security interests and fostering economic growth through enhanced internet connectivity to Africa and the Caribbean from U.S. territories. The envisioned study will delve into the strategic implications of this venture for the Virgin Islands and its alignment with broader American objectives in these regions.

Highlighting a current gap in infrastructure, Plaskett pointed out, “At present, the U.S. lacks a direct fiber optic connection to Africa, a continent burgeoning with economic potential and presenting unique national security considerations. The existing dependency on foreign and commercial networks for such connectivity positions the U.S. at a disadvantage,” underscoring the national security and economic imperatives driving the DiasporaLink Act.

Placing the connectivity hub within the U.S. Virgin Islands is a strategic decision aimed at capitalizing on the territory’s geographic advantages to benefit the entire nation and its territories. Plaskett elaborated on the transformative prospects of the DiasporaLink project for the local and national economy, forecasting it as a catalyst for high-tech employment in the Virgin Islands and a magnet for digital enterprises, thereby reinforcing the islands’ role in the global digital economy.

The proposal also reveres previous telecommunications ventures like the GlobalCrossing cables in St. Croix, advocating for a government-maintained link that ensures the durability and reliability of future connectivity endeavors.

In an expression of gratitude, Plaskett acknowledged Stephan Adams, CEO of viNGN, for his pivotal contributions to shaping DiasporaLink, along with Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) and House Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) for their bipartisan backing.

As the DiasporaLink Act progresses to the Senate, its potential approval signals a transformative chapter in digital connectivity and economic prospects, promising extensive benefits not only for the Virgin Islands but also fostering a new frontier of trans-Atlantic partnership with Africa.