Marianas Communications System Inc., doing business as Guam Cable TV was the first cable television company in Guam. It was founded in 1971 and acquired by Marianas Cablevision in 1997.
History Guam Cable TV was set up by Lee M. Holmes (who died in 2019) on August 4, 1971; he lead the company throughout its 26 years of oepration.Guam media pioneer passes away, Post Guam, December 17, 2019, retrieved September 18, 2026 In its early months, the company carried CBS shows that were left out by KUAM, such as Gunsmoke, My Three Sons, You Are There, Hawaii Five-O and Cimarron Strip. Authorities claimed that Guam Cable TV was airing these shows illegally, as they were recorded from the mainland and charged to subscribers (over 2,000 as of March 1972). A further agreement with the MPAA was signed in September 1975 to reduce piracy. That year, it was reported to carry eight channels (including relays of KUAM-TV and KGTF; listings for over-the-air and Guam Cable TV channels were carried on the TV Guam magazine.P.S. Docket No. 4/71, United States Postal Service, February 12, 1976, retrieved September 18, 2026
In 1975, Guam Cable TV started producing its own news operation, competing with KUAM-TV and produced by Communications Services, Inc. As of 1980, it produced an hour-long bulletin at 6p.m., as well as a half-hour update at 10p.m.; on weekends, the 6p.m. bulletin lasted only half an hour and was repeated at 10p.m.; that year, it won a CableACE Award in the news category. By January 1995, it was a CNN affiliate.Garron, B. (1995, Jan 07). Say, Who Is That on the Television News? Kansas City Star Later that year, Len Ping left Guam Cable TV's news operation for WSVN.RACHEL ALEXANDER, S. W. (1995, Aug 29). COMINGS AND GOINGS AT WSVN TO RESULT IN AT LEAST ONE NEW FACE. Sun Sentinel
There was also a separate cable company in Saipan, Saipan Cable TV, operational as early as 1976. Both were acquired by Marianas Cablevision, owned by the United Micronesia Development Association, in 1997.A HOUSE RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending the United Micronesia Development Association for its contributions, commitment, and investments in the island nations and Communities of Micronesia especially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands., retrieved September 18, 2026. The acquisition is likely attributed to the 1997 Asian financial crisis.And that's the way it is, Pacific Island Times, March 11, 2019, retrieved September 18, 2026 The MCV operations in both Guam and Saipan were ultimately sold to NTT Docomo in 2013, the service is currently provided under its subsidiary Docomo Pacific.
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