Jamaica - Digicel has launched a WiMAX service, branded as Digicel 4G broadband, prepaid as a number of days use

[digicel] Friday 20th August, 2010: Under the banner, “Plug, Pay and Go”, tomorrow sees the official launch of Digicel 4G Broadband, Jamaica’s fastest wireless broadband service.

The very latest in innovation, Digicel 4G Broadband is super fast, accessible, affordable and reliable – and is underpinned by Digicel’s commitment to best value, best network, best service and best innovation.

Consumers can get a first look at the service at the Digicel Consumer Electronics Show which takes place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August at the Wyndham Hotel in Kingston.

“PLUG”

Set-up is quick and simple. There is no need for expensive cable or landline access. With Digicel 4G Broadband, customers can unleash the power of super fast internet simply by plugging in their Digicel 4G Broadband wireless modem to their computer or laptop and registering their details online.

“PAY”

Value and flexibility are the name of the game. In the same way that Digicel revolutionized the mobile market by making mobile telephony accessible and affordable to all, Digicel 4G Broadband has a range of convenient and affordable prepaid and postpaid plans to suit all pockets.

Customers have unlimited usage and can choose between affordable prepaid 7 day, 14 day or 30 day plans or a monthly postpaid plan. And to ensure that customers get even more value out of their Digicel 4G Broadband service, Digicel is offering customers double the usage time on its prepaid 14 day and 30 day plans for free until 30th September 2010.

“GO”

With internet penetration in Jamaica currently at a very low 17% or just 110,000 lines, Digicel 4G Broadband will open up the endless possibilities of the internet to people right across Jamaica. Digicel 4G Broadband is available across all fourteen parishes covering 60% of the population and 200 communities with further rollout planned. That translates to 410,000 households in Jamaica who can take advantage of the multiple benefits of super fast broadband right now.

SIGNING-UP AND TOPPING-UP

On sign-up, customers will receive a modem which enables them to have in- home wireless broadband access with no wires and no hassles. Prepaid customers will pay JA$3,950 plus GCT for the modem, while postpaid customers will receive it for free on sign-up to a postpaid contract.

Topping up the Digicel 4G Broadband service could not be easier. Customers can use the same Digicel top-up cards as they use for the mobile phones and can buy top-up at 30,000 locations island-wide.

MAKING THE INTERNET ACCESSIBLE

Digicel has leveraged its existing network and investment in Jamaica of over JA$73 billion with a further investment of JA$2 billion in rolling out Digicel 4G Broadband. And to drive internet penetration, Digicel is ensuring that as many people as possible are able to have access to and benefit from Digicel 4G Broadband by teaming up with some of Jamaica’s most trusted companies like Courts and NCB and credit unions across Jamaica to offer financing plans for computers, laptops, net books and modems.

Mark Linehan, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, comments; “This is the biggest thing we have done in Jamaica since we launched nearly ten years ago. Today is a hugely exciting day for Digicel and for Jamaica. Today, Digicel is delivering the fastest and best wireless broadband service to customers across Jamaica and bringing the internet to people and places who have never had it before.

“Recent research from CESifo suggests that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can help to raise annual per capita GDP growth by 0.9 to 1.5 percentage points. With Digicel 4G Broadband, we are making wireless broadband internet an easy-to-access, affordable reality and empowering Jamaican people and businesses to get the best out of the internet – whenever and however they want it. With Digicel 4G Broadband, the possibilities are endless.”

*Digicel is running a special offer giving customers twice the usage time on its prepaid 14 and 30 day plans for free from today until 30th September.

DIGICEL 4G BROADBAND NOW LAUNCHED ACROSS JAMAICA