Monday, April 3, 2006

ST JOHN'S, Antigua: Digicel, the fastest growing mobile telecommunications company in the Caribbean, launched services on Friday in Antigua and Barbuda with the announcement of a US$6 million investment into the local operation to enhance and expand the existing GSM network.

Following the acquisition of Cingular Wireless' Caribbean and Bermuda assets in 2005, Digicel has taken steps towards advancing operations like Antigua & Barbuda by investing in network quality, enhanced service offerings and broadening its distribution network.

"Our speed to market and ability to create brand loyalty is key to our success in the region. We deliver extensive network quality and focus on our customers' needs, while providing superior support that exceeds their expectations," said Mr. Denis O'Brien, Chairman and Founder of Digicel Group.

"This dynamic approach to business is having a profound impact on local economies as we challenge competitors in a manner that drives positive business development. We are committed to duplicating this success in Antigua and Bermuda as we continue to pursue our goal of developing a seamless pan-Caribbean network, and beyond."

Digicel planned several large events in Antigua last week to mark its launch, including a free public concert on Friday, March 31 involving some of the Caribbean's most premier artists, including Alison Hinds and Morgan Heritage. The event was expected to attract more than 12,000 people.

Attending Digicel's launch events, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer, stated, "Digicel's impressive track record in placing the Caribbean region at the cutting edge of mobile telecommunications technology as well as being a community minded telecoms provider is well known and admired across the region. Digicel's presence in the region is marking a new era of positive competition and development in the mobile telecommunications market and we look forward to the continuous value that Digicel will add to Antigua and Barbuda."

In the first quarter of 2006, with the completion of its Cingular Wireless acquisition, Digicel entered negotiations to acquire Bouygues Telecom Caraïbe in the French West Indies and finalized plans to roll-out WiMAX in Jamaica to offer fixed and mobile broadband communications for voice and data services to 1.4 million customers throughout Jamaica.

Digicel's investment in the region currently stands at US$1 billion and it expects its current staff base of 1,500 to increase 33 percent by early 2007.

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