Pond Island –The TelEm Group of Companies acknowledges recent public discourse
surrounding its financial status and firmly refutes misleading information being circulated.
The company says inaccurate portrayals are creating unwarranted harm at a time when
management and personnel are making substantial progress in restoring economic stability,
improving service delivery, and regaining stakeholder trust.
“The public deserves to know clearly and accurately that TelEm is not leaderless or adrift,
but is under the active and capable guidance of a dedicated management team that has been
working diligently and responsibly to restore profitability and long-term stability. There is no
void in leadership, only a deep commitment to action, accountability, and transformation,”
says TelEm Group management in a strongly worded release.
Strategic Leadership Driving Real Progress
Management says while financial challenges exist, strategic leadership within the company is
driving real progress.
“Many of the rumors and commentary in the public domain have been taken out of
context—or are simply false. These statements have created confusion and undermine all
honest efforts being made at a time when unity and transparency are critical,” continues
management.
The company chiefs say they are building a leaner, stronger TelEm—one that reflects the
pride and potential of St. Maarten.
“While some seek to derail progress with misinformation, our focus remains on results,
transparency, and resilience.”
Pointing to significant developments already in motion, management points to a number of
key improvements that are delivering tangible benefits to customers and strengthening the
company’s core infrastructure including:
•SMPR-1 Undersea Fiber Cable Now Live: The SMPR-1 undersea fibre cable is fully
operational and actively carrying traffic. This key development enhances capacity and
significantly reduces the cost of third-party bandwidth.
•Recent Outage Transparently Addressed: A recent service outage was traced to
malfunctioning legacy equipment. The issue has been addressed and publicly communicated,
and the company is accelerating modernization efforts to eliminate such risks moving
forward.
•Mobile Network Modernization: Ongoing upgrades to the 3G and LTE platforms are
delivering better service reliability and laying the foundation for 5G deployment in 2025.
•Island-Wide Internet Expansion: Infrastructure upgrades to TelEm’s ISP core will improve
mobile internet coverage across the island’s Dutch and French sides.
•Power System Enhancements: TelEm has completed critical power and backup system
upgrades at essential sites like the SMITCOMS building and Earth station.
•Fiber-to-the-Home (FttH) Growth: The FttH initiative continues to expand across St.
Maarten, connecting more homes and businesses to world-class fibre-optic internet and
solidifying TelEm’s position as the island’s leading fibre provider.
Financial Restructuring with Transparency
The company acknowledges legacy financial obligations, including an arbitration judgment,
but emphasizes that these challenges are part of an already active and transparent
restructuring process.
“We’ve made difficult but necessary decisions and are moving forward with clarity and
resolve,” management states.
TelEm Group management say they understand that trust is earned through consistent action
and transparency, noting that while recovery will take time, the company is focused on
regaining the confidence of customers, partners, and the broader St. Maarten community.
“The telecom industry moves fast. TelEm hasn’t always kept pace, but we are correcting that
now. We’re focused on operational excellence and on delivering the services our customers
expect and deserve,”
“We continue to extend our most profound appreciation to our customers for their loyalty and
patience during this transitional period. The continued support of everyone is the foundation
of a stronger future,” states the company.