Mr. Hubert Hughes
Under the theme of its new brand – Be Extraordinary – Digicel Anguilla formally launched its competitive 4G network described as a unique mobile experience with reliable, super fast internet speeds across the island.
The launching ceremony on Wednesday, May 29, at which the Opening Prayers were delivered by Bishop Errol Brooks, was attended by a large number of corporate and other business persons who were hosted by Digicel at Tokyo Bay, one of the elite restaurants at CuisinArt Gulf Resort and Spa.
In his welcome remarks, Digicel’s Corporate Sales Manager, Colwayne Pickering, said it was a proud day in the advancement of telecommunications in Anguilla.He stated that it was a time when “lightning-fast internet was no longer a figment of the imagination” and when “Digicel dares to bridge the gap of the digital divide between first world and third world countries.” He saw the launching of Digicel’s Corporate 4G Network as a manifestation that “we, as small island states, are still players in a globalised role.”
Mr. Pickering added: “Digicel is indeed proud, but very humble, to be the first network in Anguilla to bring 4G technology to and across the Nation.”
Digicel’s Anguilla Country Manager, John Gidharry, said in part: “Eight short years ago Digicel moved into Anguilla and revolutionalised telecommunications. Back then, a mobile phone was a status symbol – a luxury that even businesses struggled to afford. Today, as a result of our efforts, just about everyone can use and afford this technology in mobile communications. Tonight, we have taken it a step further…The focus is now on the internet – having the experience of freedom to make and receive calls from just about anywhere.”
He said that by constantly improving its technology in a timely fashion, Digicelwas continuing to demonstrate its commitment to keeping up with the needs of the expanding telecommunications industry. He stated that the company’s investments – in excess of over four million dollars in Anguilla – had brought to businesses and individuals the fastest and most reliable internet technology available in the world today.
“We hope that you will make good use of this technology, improve your productivity, and focus on the need for having a web presence because increasingly companies now have invested into mobile presence too,” Mr.Gidharry continued.
“Recent studies have shown that a rapidly growing number of customers are using mobile devices to browse for and make purchases on the internet. With a tourism-dependent economy, like ours, this is even more important since the average traveller today has a smart phone. Now, with Digicel’s connectivity, we trust it also gives your businesses an additional opportunity to remove whatever walls that exist [as] we offer a better service to please you, the consumer.”
Mr.Gidharry pledged Digicel’s commitment to help businesses to be extraordinary in the services they offer using “the speed and power of Anguilla’s first 4G Network.”
The Minister of Infrastructure and Communications, Evan Gumbs, was pleased that at the 46th Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution, Digicel had taken technology to another level. “In today’s world, we are moving with technology and we have to keep upgrading,” he stated. “The older folks may not be so much into the technology, but the youngsters are really the ones involved in it.”Mr.Gumbs was happy that two of his Ministry’s officials –Permanent Secretary, Larry Franklin, and Director of Public Utilities/Telecommunications Officer, Crefton Niles – had been able to assist in facilitating the introduction of Digicel’s new technology through amendments to the telecommunications spectrum.
Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, spoke about the days when Anguilla had no telecommunications which only came to the island following the 1967 Revolution. “If it were not for that, we would not have the revolution in speed which Digicel has brought to us,” he said. “We have a lot to thank God for – forty-six years coming out of Egypt to the Promised Land – but we still have a long way to go.”
Mr. Hughes commended Digicel for its services in Anguilla and offered his best wishes to the telecommunications company for continued success.
The ceremony was jointly chaired by Jerry George, Digicel’s St. Lucia-based Public Relations Officer, and Ms Lisa Rey.
Digicel climaxed the launch of its 4G Network with a reception and sales function for customers the following day at the company’s store. The reception and sales function featured a display and marketing of new phone and internet services.
