Preparing for digital

Connections via satellite, Barbados' role in the ECFS, introduction of fibre optic cable

Barbados continued to be a central telecommunications hub for the region. When Cable & Wireless announced in 1965 the Eastern Caribbean Expansion Project, Barbados’ role was central to this project. When in the 1970's the use of satellites to aid communications was extended to the Caribbean , Cable & Wireless constructed the Earth Station at Congor Bay in St. John . Within a year of putting the Earth Station into action, Cable & Wireless had in full operation a state-of-the-art international telephone switching centre as part of its new Main Office at Wildey.

Direct cable communications between the local telephone company and Cable & Wireless Barbados were installed. Clarity and quality of reception of telephone calls were immensely improved. During the latter part of 1972 and early 1973, subsequent to the opening of the Earth Station, semi-automatic working of overseas calls was introduced.

Locally, with the advent of Windsor Lodge Central Office, Overseas Operator positions were increased from six (6) to fifteen (15). An additional five (5) positions were added in the first quarter of 1972, making a total of 20 positions. Six (6) Directory Enquiry positions were installed at the start but were expanded by two (2) more positions in 1973 to improve customer service.

In 1981, Cable & Wireless was privatized after some 30 years of state ownership.

In 1982 Fibre Optics Cables were use for the first time in the Caribbean to provide a triangular link between Windsor Lodge, Grazettes and St. James' Exchanges. In 1984, Barbados External Telecommunications Limited was incorporated acquiring the assets of Cable & Wireless ( West Indies ) Limited. BET as it became familiarly known, was granted an exclusive licence by the Government to provide international telecommunications in Barbados . The company’s shares were listed on the Securities Exchange of Barbados in 1984 and a share offer made to the Barbadian public. The share issue was oversubscribed.

By February 1987, when Cable & Wireless plc of London , bought over Contel's interest in The Barbados Telephone Company Limited, the company had 62,489 exchange lines and a total of 90,579 stations. The company’s shares were also listed on the Securities Exchange.

In 1989 BET formed Digital Information Systems Limited (DIS) as a wholly owned subsidiary to provide computers, large systems and integrated solutions to customers in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean .

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