The number of local Internet service providers working the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network – known as viNGN – has increased, providing residences, businesses and government agencies with access to the company’s broadband network, viNGN officials said recently.
At its company board meeting Thursday, viNGN officials said that they are also adding an enterprise architect to company’s team, who will help local ISP customers interface with businesses, residents and the government.
During the meeting, viNGN President and Chief Executive Officer Mark McGibbon said that 12 local ISP are now working with the company. According to a news release issued after the meeting, viNGN partners include Broadband VI, Orbitel, Surge Broadband, Cable System Services VI, FirstPhase DataComm, ADM Wireless, SmartNet/Alliance, the University of the Virgin Islands, High Tide Solutions, Omni Systems, and the Bureau of Information Technology.
McGibbon told the board the company is also beginning to search for a chief information security officer to add additional security to the companies already on the company’s platform, which he said will help to develop training and security exercises.
Discussion during the board meeting also focused on work done at the territory’s Public Computing Centers (PCCs) which include 22 V.I, government agencies and 11 non-profits. Recent upgrades to the centers include the replacement of five computers, according to the news release.
During the Thursday meeting, board members also were told that local residents continue to take advantage of accessing the centers and taking part in training courses that are available to the local community. The network also announced PCC manager Anita Davis and a group of volunteers is developing the company’s mobile PCC lab, which will allow on-the-go computer literacy training and computer science related demonstrations at any location on an island where there is a Wi-Fi connection.
More information on free online and live digital learning opportunities, and alerts are available by contacting Davis at 340-715-8581, ext. 2244, or adavis@vingn.com.
