Digicel, one of the Caribbean's leading mobile telephone service providers, has commented on the latest round of competitive rates from C&WJ.  Digicel's Commercial Director Harry Smith observed that while C&W has reduced rates on cross-network calls, during social hours such as nights and weekends they have actually increased their rates to own customers by 14%.  By comparison, Digicel customers have always been able to call each other at lower rates.

"Digicel will reintroduce on October 1, the $1 per minute rate on Digicel to Digicel calls at night, and in addition will reduce text messaging rates to $1 initially until November this year," he said.  "Digicel will offer C&W customer with old TDMA technology, the opportunity to come in and get a brand new Nokia 1108 GSM handset at over 50% off, lower than the price of the competition.  It includes a free SIM card."

Digicel claims to have the largest network, with over 730 sites.  Over US$600 million has been spent on the Jamaican network alone, with a further JA$1.5 billion per year earmarked for expansion over the next five years.  "This is the kind of real commitment that Digicel has always put into network expansion, which has given us the reputation of having the best coverage in Jamaica," said Smith.  "Digicel invested in network coverage and customer care from the very beginning."

The Digicel Commercial Director commented that although C&WJ had announced that they will be spending Ja$100 million on marketing, Digicel spends over Js$130 million per month giving back to customers through their loyalty plan.

"Digicel has further enhanced their loyalty scheme to include Digicel points and starting October 1, customers will be able to redeem their points to get discounts on new handsets," said Smith.  "We are firmly committed to rewarding our loyal customers."

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/html/20050929T230000-0500_89436_OBS_DIGICEL_RESPONDS_TO_C_WJ_S__MOBILE_RATE_REDUCTION.asp