Digicel Receives Government Approval For Cingular Acquisitions, Sets Goal To Be Number One Operator On Both Islands
Kingston, Jamaica – Digicel Group, the fastest growing mobile telecommunications provider in the Caribbean, confirmed that it has been given governmental approval to launch a GSM network in the Eastern Caribbean island of Anguilla, whose telecoms market has been recently liberalized, and to acquire Cingular Wireless’ operation in Bermuda.
Following a similar approval granted by the Commonwealth Government of the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica earlier this month, this announcement signifies further progress in the company’s plans to acquire Cingular Wireless operations and build a seamless Pan-Caribbean wireless network.
The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval on each individual island, will significantly expand Digicel’s network from its existing nine markets of operation which include the most recent addition of Trinidad & Tobago, to Anguilla, Bermuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica. The acquisition also strengthens Digicel’s market share in the Cayman Islands, Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados and St. Vincent & the Grenadines, where Cingular’s customer base will transition to Digicel.
In Anguilla, Digicel will launch a GSM network on the island and play an important role in the recent liberalization of the telecommunications industry, bringing all the benefits of competitive rates, international roaming, improved coverage, superior customer care and innovative products and services for which the Caribbean company has built its reputation over the past four years.
According to the Anguilla Minister for Infrastructure, Communities and Utilities, the Honorable Mr. Kenneth Harrigan, “We are very pleased that Digicel will be playing a role in the liberalization of the Anguilla telecommunications sector. Having seen the benefits that Digicel’s presence in other Caribbean markets has brought, we are confident that we are in a strong position for improved telecommunications to make a significant contribution towards the development of our tourism, financial and information-based services on our island.”
In Bermuda, Digicel looks forward to expanding Cingular’s existing operation and becoming the number one mobile telecommunications provider. The transition process for Bermudian customers is promised to be as seamless an experience as possible with Cingular customers keeping all their current Cingular benefits such as BlackBerry as well as enjoying additional benefits that Digicel will bring.
“Being one of the first small countries in the world to break the stranglehold of monopoly in the telecommunications sector, we have seen in Bermuda first hand the benefits that competition brings in driving growth and development,” said Minister of Telecommunications and E-commerce, the Honourable Mr. Michael J. Scott. “We look forward to and welcome the entry of Digicel into the Bermuda market.
“Digicel’s business model and aims of attracting international business fairly complement the Bermuda model. The company’s impressive track record of recruiting and training an energetic workforce, together with its highly efficient operational model, functional organizational structure, and quick decision making, is impressive and would add value to the Bermuda telecoms scene,” he added.
Thanking both the Governments of Anguilla and Bermuda, Mr. Colm Delves, CEO of Digicel Group said, “Our customer-centric approach has led to success and increased market share in every country we have entered so far. We look forward to becoming the number one provider on both islands and are focused on creating a seamless pan-Caribbean network that benefits all of our customers. We are also very excited about strengthening connections with the people of Bermuda and Anguilla by becoming an active member of their communities.”
Digicel and Cingular have also entered into a roaming agreement that provides favorable roaming rates in each other’s markets.
With investments in the Caribbean exceeding $US600 million, Digicel recently reached a milestone of 1,051 employees in its fourth year of operation. The Company anticipates a 30 percent increase in staff by the end of 2006, due to subscriber growth and market expansion.
