Former Time Warner Cable/AOL senior manager Terry Roberson has been announced as the the new general manager of Bermuda CableVision, replacing Jeremy Elmas who held the post for six years.

Mr. Roberson took over in October last year but has had to await immigration clearance to officially assume his on-Island role.

He brings with him 30 years of experience in the world of cable television and broadband services.

And his long work record includes senior roles within the US multi-media giant Time Warner Cable/AOL.

Mr. Roberson steps into Bermuda's telecommunications sector at a pivotal moment with wide-ranging reforms on the cards that are set to do away with artificial barriers that have compartmentalised companies as far as what services they are allowed to hold a licence to provide on the Island.

He has already set out to improve aspects of the business, which have included the roll out of high definition television to 100 customers in Bermuda.

Mr. Roberson told the Royal Gazette: “We're very excited about high definition television. We have been working on that for the past month and a half.”

The advent of HD TV in Bermuda will quickly spread, he believes, and he predicts that by 2009 the majority of viewers will have the new technology and service.

Another key change he is overseeing during his early days is improvement to the speed of customer service, bringing Bermuda in line with expectations and service enjoyed by cable customers in the US.

“It's same day/next day service. That is what we are getting down to, rather than having to wait three days or so.”

The CableVision general manager will oversee technical development, customer service, sales and marketing, financial operations and human resources.

“Terry is a seasoned industry professional who has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities across all areas of cable management,” said Rod Hansen, chairman of Bermuda CableVision.

“He has a track record of successfully implementing customer-focused strategies, launching digital services, and building quality relationships with customers, government officials and community leaders in the markets where he has served. All these qualities make Terry a natural choice to lead CableVision as we continue to the next level of our development. We are very pleased to welcome him to the team.”

Mr. Roberson started out with Augusta Cablevision in Georgia in 1975, building and maintaining the cable plant. He remained with the company until it was acquired by Jones Intercable.

In 1989 the company was acquired by Time Warner Cable. Mr. Roberson remained with the company until 2001. Under his tenure the area saw increased subscription numbers, decreased operating expenses and improved service quality for customers.

In 2002, Mr. Roberson joined US Cable as regional manager for its coastal region, including South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The company was later sold to US cable giant Comcast.

Two years later he was named vice-president of American Broadband.