Digicel applies for submarine fiber network license in Jamaica

Thursday, November 4, 2004

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Digicel, a regional 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). The cable will run from Kingston, Jamaica to Puerto Plate, Dominican Republic. 

"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 Digicel Group CEO 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. 

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. 

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