Mobile telecommunications operator Digicel has recently secured the services of Magnus Johansson as director of its wireless broadband services.

Mr. Johansson was the former head of the broadband unit of its arch competitor, Cable & Wireless Jamaica.  He has been employed to spearhead Digicel's $2 billion investment programme in providing broadband access over the next 12 months, beginning April 1.

The investment will focus on upgrading the network, providing additional coverage and the launch of the long-awaited wireless broadband solution, WiMAX.  The company intends to roll out the latest cutting-edge WiMAX technology as part of this process.

ENHANCE COMPETITIVENESS

"I am extremely excited at the opportunity to deploy WiMax in Jamaica, as this next generation wireless technology will greatly enhance Jamaica's and the regions competitiveness."  Mr. Johansson said this should result in a second revolution in the regional telecommunications industry, following on that caused by the introduction of cellular telephones.

"The current broadband offerings in Jamaica rely heavily on fixed lines, making it limited in choice for Jamaican consumers and businesses, while internationally, broadband access continues to trend away from fixed line to wireless," said Mr. David Hall, chief executive officer of Digicel Jamaica operations.  "Digicel is committed to extending competition to landline voice service and broadband in our ongoing efforts to offer better communication solutions which are cutting-edge and at lower costs to our customers who have not had choice in the past."

As the first GSM mobile provider to offer WiMAX in the Caribbean, Digicel plans to roll out a broadband wireless service in Jamaica, having completed a successful technology trial in the Cayman Island's over the past three months.

MOVING FORWARD

"After successfully testing the latest WiMAX technologies in the field, Digicel is moving forward with a cutting-edge broadband offering that can meet the needs of our customers and business clients," added Mr. Chris Hayman, director of business services at Digicel.  "Our objective will be to develop a cost-effective wireless broadband solution for voice and data in Jamaica that will drive our competitive advantage, and provide a superior product and customer-focused network."

The WiMAX networks are based on Intel Corporation WiMAX technologies.  WiMAX is a wireless technology that provides high-throughput broadband connections over long distances.  WiMAX can be used for a number of applications, including 'last mile' broadband connections and high-speed enterprise connectivity for business.

The WiMAX technology will also enable Digicel to offer both fixed and mobile communications solutions to corporate customers for voice and data including VoIP (voice over internet protocol).

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