DIGICEL’S 4G network officially went live on Wednesday night and by December 7 its customers will be able to access the Internet at faster speeds.
The full range of benefits of the HSPA+ (4G) were revealed at the official launch of DIGICEL’s 4G and Informational Technology Communication update at a grand launch ceremony held at the Hilton Barbados.
Digicel’s Commercial Manager, Alex Tasker, told specially invited guests that these developments follow last year’s announced plans to further diversify into the broader telecoms and information technology sector. As such, he noted that the evolution of GSM, to EDGE and now 4G will revolutionise mobile and Internet technology in Barbados. “And is in keeping with the promise we made to our customers from day one, to be the number one provider of technology, customer care and value.”
It was explained that 4G will enable Digicel customers to access the Internet at faster speeds either via mobile devices, smartphones and tablets or with laptops and PCs. This can be done with an Internet dongle or Wifi hotspot, both of which will soon be available at Digicel retail stores.
Chief Executive Officer Digicel Barbados, Barry O’Brien, told the large audience that it is Digicel’s ambition to move from being considered a Mobile Services company to a full services ICT company. “ICT is fundamental to every country’s business and Barbados is no different,” he said.
O’Brien alluded to his birthplace Ireland, which also suffered following the collapse of the housing market and is going through the throes of the global recession. However, he remarked that the ICT sector grew and the country saw a six per cent increase in exports despite the economic downturn. He explained that ICT is a “sturdy business” that can enable growth in Barbados, allowing small island economies to reap the benefits of globalization.
According to O’Brien, key achievements over the last year include the launch of Digicel’s WiMax network, which is providing fixed Internet broadband and the acquisition of Netxar, one of the largest and best qualified system integrators in the Caribbean. Services now being provided include Dedicated Internet Access, Contended Wireless Broadband, Unified Communications, PBX Switches, Video Security systems, GPS tracking, IP Networking solutions and Structured Cabling to name a few.
-The Advocate
