 |
| Early expansion |
|
|
|
| Laying the foundation for a sound telecommunications infrastructure |
|
|
|
The increased demand for telecommunications during World War Two facilitated the development of wireless services in Barbados. In 1944, the establishment of the Boarded Hall high-frequency radio facility in St. George enabled Barbados to emerge as a key radio relay point in global telecommunications.
In 1903, the Barbados Telephone Company, became a public company and in 1935, the British-owned Telephone and General Trust Company acquired the controlling interest from the shareholders and almost immediately, converted the then manual system to an automatic system. At that time, there were manual exchanges at Bridgetown, St. Lawrence, Speightstown and St. John. In 1936, BARTEL constructed a new building at James Street, Bridgetown , to house the new automatic system.
In January 1967, Continental Telephone Corporation (CONTEL), U.S.A. acquired the Company by buying the shares owned by the Telephone & General Trust Company. Immediately after the take-over, Continental embarked on a full scale expansion programme. During this period all of The Company's Commercial & Operational activity was carried out from its Headquarters at James Street , Bridgetown . The activities of the Company outgrew its accommodation at James Street , Bridgetown and a new Headquarters was sought.
On 22nd October 1968 , the then Prime Minister of Barbados , The Right Honourable Errol W. Barrow, officially opened the Windsor Lodge Complex. This was part of the overall plan to service Bridgetown , Hastings and St. Michael subscribers from one central office or exchange building. The equipment from St. Michael, Hastings, and a part of Bridgetown was used during 1969 to expand Christ Church , Grazettes and Speightstown Exchanges.
Concurrently with the installation of the Windsor Lodge Central Office, a major underground scheme was laid in Barbados . This scheme became necessary due to the fact that the Cable routes had become so large that it was no longer practical to serve certain areas using aerial construction methods.
Back to top 
|