Digicel extends footprints in Caribbean sands

DENIS O’BRIEN’S Digicel mobile operation scored a major coup yesterday as it snapped up the Caribbean business of American mobile giant Cingular Wireless.

The deal will extend Digicel’s footprint in the Caribbean by adding islands including Bermuda, Antigua and St Kitts and Nevis to the company’s existing markets. Digicel is already active in nine countries that include Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Haiti. “Digicel is delighted to have reached this agreement with Cingular because it presents a unique opportunity to acquire a geographic portfolio of interests in line with Digicel’s growth strategy,” said Mr O’Brien. “Our industry-leading service and unmatched customer care continue to put us in a position of strength as we roll out a seamless pan-Caribbean telecommunications network.”

Yesterday’s deal will also allow Digicel and Cingular customers to roam on each other’s networks at discounted rates in areas where one or other has no signal.