Incoming international call penetration increased to 80 per cent yesterday, up from 50 per cent on Wednesday, said Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology Phillip Paulwell.

Four international carriers, MCI, AT&T Wireless, Sprint and British Telecom (BT) had their calls blocked by local carriers after failing to comply with Wednesday's 12:01 a.m. deadline.

Speaking at yesterday's press conference at his ministry, Mr. Paulwell said Government had expected a negative response from the international carriers.

Following last night's meeting with local carriers, Cable & Wireless, Digicel and MiPhone, Mr. Paulwell said full service would be achieved today.

David Hall, chief executive officer of Digicel last night said his network was receiving 90 per cent of international calls.  "After the largest carrier split from the others, the rest are coming on board.  We have signed with two of the networks and we have just got a verbal agreement with a third so tomorrow we should be back to full service."

"That's nice!"  A relieved Lawrence McNaughton, Cable & Wireless Caribbean executive vice-president of carrier services told The Gleaner following the signing of the largest international carrier.

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