Digicel Applies for Submarine Fiber Network License
Digicel, the Caribbean’s fasted growing
mobile telecommunications provider, has submitted an application for a
license to build, own and operate a submarine fibre optic cable carrier
facility in Jamaica. The application was submitted on November 1, 2004, to
the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) by Digicel Group CEO, Mr. Raoul
Fontanez and Digicel Jamaica CEO, Mr. David Hall. The cable will run from
Kingston, Jamaica to Puerto Plate, Dominican Republic in an effort to
provide a world-class telecommunications facility for the people of Jamaica
and the Caribbean.
“Digicel is extremely excited about the opportunity to apply for a license
for a submarine fiber network in Jamaica. Internet access is key to youth
development, cultural and economic diversification and expansion,” said
Raoul Fontanez. “We are confident that with this network in place, Digicel
can begin to offer broadband services and bring substantial benefits to the
economic, educational and social fabric of Jamaica.”
Mr. Fontanez added, “This initiative is part of our continued long-term
commitment to create a seamless network across the Caribbean with enormous
benefits for the region. Our goal is to build a state-of-the-art
Pan-Caribbean fiber optic network ensuring affordable and innovative mobile
communications that fosters personal and professional connections between
Caribbean nations and people.”
The license will be one of two being offered by the Jamaican government in
its effort to deliver the benefits that technology can provide, such as
access to information and the ability to conduct business globally. The
establishment of a fiber network will make the Internet more accessible to
the average Jamaican by significantly lowering costs. The network will
also enable the government to bring the Internet into more schools across
Jamaica.
“Congratulations must go to the Ministry of Science, Commerce and
Technology and to the Office of Utilities Regulation for taking the
initiative in addressing Jamaica’s shortage of submarine fiber optic
facilities, and developing a long term policy and regulatory framework for
international cable landings in Jamaica,” said Digicel Jamaica CEO, Mr.
David Hall. “We are confident that Digicel is the best partner for this
project. Our success in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean is a result of
our strong record of innovative, competitive services, our commitment to
the Caribbean, financial strength and caliber of expertise. We look forward
to benefits this license will allow us to bring to Jamaica and the region,”
he added.
About Digicel
Since its launch in 2001, Digicel has become the fastest growing mobile
telecommunications operator in the Caribbean. In three years Digicel has
become renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior
customer care, a wide variety of products and services and state-of-the-art
handsets.
By offering innovative mobile services and community support, Digicel has
become a leading brand in the Caribbean and has placed the region at the
cutting edge of mobile communications.
Digicel operates in seven countries including Aruba, Barbados, the Cayman
Islands, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It
is the largest GSM mobile operator in the region and plans to extend its
footprint into other Caribbean countries.
Digicel is headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica, and has approximately 900
employees. The company is the lead sponsor of Caribbean sports teams
including, the West Indies Cricket Team, Special Olympics teams across the
Caribbean and is title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Football Union Cup,
which involves over 30 Caribbean countries and is an important qualifier
towards the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Contact:
Maureen Rabbitt
Corporate Communications Manager
Digicel Group
876-361-2852
Adam Paige
Cohn & Wolfe
212-798-9833
adam_paige@nyc.cohnwolfe.com