Business

viNGN Accuses Viya Of Intentionally Cutting Its Fiber Cables; Viya Denies Claim

ST. THOMAS -- During a hearing on a bill sponsored Senator Nereida Rivera-O'Reilly that would allow broadband communications firms like Viya to use underground conduits owned by the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN) and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, viNGN CEO Mark McGibbon, aside from opposing the measure by contending that it would essentially put viNGN out of business, said Viya had on multiple occasions intentionally severed its fiber cables. Mr. McGibbon levied the accusation during his testimony at the Tuesday hearing held in the Committee on Government Affairs, Veterans, Energy and Environmental Protection, chaired by Senator Sammuel Sanes, which prompted a response from Viya CEO Alvaro Pillar. Dr. McGibbon said the legislation is sensible in that it encourages communications companies to bury their infrastructure. But the communications companies, he said, should build their own conduits, and he pointed to some $200 million that he said Viya rec...