The initial phase of service roll-out began in June 2006, and it has quickly gained momentum with 3,000 emergency text messages already received by the JCF.

Digicel's Emergency Text Messaging Service enables the public to text real-time messages to the JCF police control center using the short code 119. Text messages cost only J$1 (approximately US$0.015).

According to the JCF Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas, "The 119 emergency text messaging service has already proven itself a viable option for members of the public to share information with the police and seek immediate help. We commend Digicel for having the foresight and technology innovation to help curb crime and violence island-wide. We hope it will encourage other organizations to take equal responsibility for fighting crime."

Users on each of Jamaica's three mobile networks can access the service, further ensuring that all residents can seek help in the event of an emergency. The new service also allows people with speech and hearing impairments to immediately contact the police in emergency situations.

"We are using the latest technology in order to overcome barriers for some of the more vulnerable people in our society," said Harry Smith, Digicel Jamaica Commercial Director.

"At Digicel we challenge ourselves to be innovative in every aspect of our business and we continually explore innovative ways in which the benefits of communications technology can be shared as widely as possible," he added.

Digicel Jamaica represents the company's largest and longest standing operation to date following its launch in April 2001. Breaking a decade-old monopoly, Digicel acquired 100,000 subscribers in its first 100 days of operation. In just five years, mobile penetration rates in Jamaica have increased dramatically, rising from four to 75 percent.

Digicel now operates in 20 Caribbean markets and has 2.6 million subscribers With a total investment in the region valued at US$1.2 billion, the company employs more than 2,000 people.