Roseau-based mobile operator Digicel Dominica has announced the launch of its 4G data network, four months after rival Cable & Wireless Dominica (LIME) switched on the country’s first 4G data network in October last year. Digicel Dominica promises to provide customers with super-fast and reliable mobile data connectivity, and to support the launch, has unveiled a new range of 4G-ready smartphones and data packages for consumer and business users. Starting from XCD2.50 (USD0.93) per 24-hour period (‘Day Pass’) for pre-pay users, Digicel is offering ‘unlimited’ free access to popular social media applications such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Twitter. The cellco says that customers can buy one of its new smartphones from a number of retail outlets in Grand Bay, Marigot, Portsmouth and Roseau. Digicel Dominica Acting Country Manager, Vivek Sharma, noted: ‘Pre-paid customers signing up to a one, seven or 14 day data plan will now benefit from unlimited WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram which will not be pulled from their data purchased.’ Digicel’s 4G data users will be able to choose from a range of new and improved data plans designed to suit the needs of any and all users and pockets, he added.
On 16 October 2014, CommsUpdate reported that LIME, owned by UK-based Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), launched its ‘Superfast 4G’ network across the country, initially available to business users only via data-only tariff plans. LIME has invested more than USD4.5 million to deploy its island-wide 4G network, which is understood to be based on Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology operating in the 700MHz band. It rolled out 54 base stations covering the majority of the island by the launch date, and with more sites due to be installed, LIME’s 4G deployment was reportedly completed by the start of November.