NASSAU, BAHAMAS – BTC says that an alleged landowner who has repeatedly threatened to sever the company’s fiber optic cable in an attempt to extort compensation followed through on the threat last week, resulting in disruption of service in North Eleuthera.
The company, which has reported the matter to police, estimated last evening that all landline, mobile, and television services will be fully restored across the impacted areas within the next 24 hours.
The company stated yesterday that for decades, the landing point of BTC’s sub-sea fiber optics cable has been on a property in North Eleuthera, near the Glass Window Bridge.
“Recently, an individual claiming to be the owner of this property has demanded compensation from BTC for the use of the property. In multiple discussions with this individual, BTC requested evidence of ownership of the land, which the individual was unable to produce. The individual has now provided BTC with photographic copies of what purports to be a Crown Grant of the property dated May 3rd, 2024, and is now demanding immediate payment for the prior years that the equipment has been on the property from BTC, despite the fact that the individual’s ownership of the land by virtue of a Crown Grant, if valid, only arises from the date the Crown Grant was issued.”
The company added: “In an attempt to extort compensation from BTC, the individual has repeatedly threatened to willfully and intentionally sever BTC’s fiber optics cable on the property. BTC is reliably informed that the individual carried out this threat last Thursday, interrupting BTC’s service in North Eleuthera and surrounding areas. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to swiftly resolve this unacceptable disruption caused by the individual’s actions.”
BTC noted that it maintains a number of contractual arrangements with property owners pertaining to the use of private land to secure critical BTC equipment on every single island in the country.
“BTC is well aware of its responsibility to adequately compensate these property owners for the use of their property and complies with its contractual and regulatory obligations. BTC remains committed to providing reliable telecommunications services across The Bahamas and continues to engage diligently with all relevant stakeholders to prevent future attempts to sabotage BTC’s equipment,” the company stated.
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