Digicel and Scotiabank will be first to reach 10,000 transactions goal set by the Haiti mobile money Initiative

On 12.15.10, In Mobile, By Editor

Having already achieved first-to-market status with the November 22nd launch of their innovative mobile money service, TchoTcho Mobile, Scotiabank and Digicel today achieved another important milestone.

The news comes today that Scotiabank and Digicel will be the first mobile money providers to reach the goal of 10,000 transactions as set by the Haiti Mobile Money Initiative placing them in pole position to win the cash prize associated with the launch of the product. As such, Digicel will today file its application for the grant before going through the 30 day audit process.

The Haiti Mobile Money Initiative is a partnership between USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and is implemented by HIFIVE, a USAID project.

Since TchoTcho Mobile’s launch in November — just days after obtaining final regulatory approval from telecoms regulator, CONATEL, and the Central Bank of Haiti — thousands of customers have used this innovative service for transactions such as cash deposits, withdrawals and transfers to other TchoTcho Mobile subscribers and the customer feedback has been great.

Digicel Haiti CEO, Maarten Boute, comments; “TchoTcho Mobile is changing the way Haitians live and make transactions. There is massive interest in — and enthusiasm for — our product right across Haiti. We’re proud to be the first provider to achieve the goal of 10,000 transactions as set by the Haiti Mobile Money Initiative.

He continues; “Feedback from TchoTcho Mobile users is that they are very satisfied with the quality of the service and delighted with how fast, secure and user-friendly it is. As Digicel has over 2.4 million subscribers, the widest coverage with over 95% population coverage and the largest retail network in Haiti, TchoTcho Mobile will soon become an essential service to the Haitian people. We are also delighted to have partnered with Scotiabank, which, as one of the foremost banks in the world, has an impeccable track record.”

“When the TchoTcho Mobile agent approached me and explained how the product worked, I have to admit that I was a bit reticent at first. But after I read the information describing the product and its advantages, I felt more at ease and decided to register. I have since made a few transactions very securely. This product is just great. TchoTcho Mobile makes life so much easier for me,” announced Jeffrey Nicholson Carre, a very satisfied TchoTcho Mobile subscriber.

Initiatives such as payroll for manufacturing jobs and “cash-for-work” programmes — as well as community meetings in Port-au-Prince and the provinces — have made it possible for Scotiabank, the largest commercial bank in the Caribbean with over 2 million customers and Digicel, the biggest telecommunications network in Haiti, to reach the Haiti Mobile Money Initiative goal in just three weeks. This was supported by an extensive communications campaign aimed at informing Haitian consumers on the multiple advantages of the product — as well as its ease of use.

“We are very proud to offer a service that contributes to financial inclusion in Haiti and are very pleased at the results so far,” said Maxime Charles, Country Head, Scotiabank Haiti. “We look forward to the ongoing contribution of TchoTcho Mobile to the economic development of the country by providing a safe and secure banking service to people who are not part of the traditional banking system. We are very satisfied with the results.”

TchoTcho Mobile allows users to conduct banking transactions via their Digicel mobile phones and is currently available across 150 TchoTcho Mobile agents nationwide. For more information, please contact our customer care available 24/7 by dialing 202.

About Digicel

After nine and a half years of operation, Digicel Group Limited has 11 million customers across its 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Cup. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.

Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Jamaica, Haiti and Papua New Guinea which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

In 2004, Digicel developed Digicel Rising Stars — an annual talent show to support aspiring young music artists in the Caribbean. The show has spanned the Eastern Caribbean, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago ranking as one of the top-rated shows.

Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and its markets comprise: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and Vanuatu. Digicel also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barts in the Caribbean.

Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank has been part of the Caribbean and Central America since 1889. It is now the leading bank in the region, with operations in 20 countries, including Haiti, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The Bank has more than 7,000 employees in the region, including affiliates, serving more than two million customers, with 232 branches, kiosks and other offices, plus 615 automated banking machines. Through the Bright Future program, Scotiabank focuses our charitable efforts on causes and activities that can enhance the well-being of children, particularly in the areas of education, health, wellness and the environment. For more information on our program, please visit www.scotiabank.com/brightfuture/index.html

Scotiabank is one of North America’s premier financial institutions and Canada’s most international bank. With close to 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 14.6 million customers in some 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With more than $523 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2010), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

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Digicel launches services in Panama

On 12.03.08, In Mobile, By Editor

Digicel, the largest telecommunications operator in the Caribbean and recent entrant to the Central American market, today launched operations in Panama — its third Central American market and 31st market world-wide — with an investment of US$350 million. Digicel now offers seamless mobile telecommunication services across Central America, with operations to date in El Salvador, Honduras and Panama.
According to the Panama Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Panamanian economy is expected to grow 7.5 percent by 2009. With a population of 3.4 million, mobile penetration is currently at approximately 71 percent. Having built the most modern nationwide GSM network in the country, Digicel is well positioned to maximize growth by offering service for the first time to many communities in Panama not previously served by incumbent operators.
The Digicel Panama network is underpinned by world-class 24/7 customer service, a nationwide network of more than 300 retail distributors and in excess of 15,000 recharge outlets nationwide. The company employs 300 people directly in its Panamanian operations as well as creating the indirect employment of 1,000 people.
“Panama promises to be a very exciting market for us and we are proud to offer the best coverage, best service and best value to the people of Panama,” said Digicel Chairman, Denis O’Brien. “Digicel is confident that it can stimulate growth in the mobile market in Panama by increasing mobile penetration within five years to 90 percent ensuring that more and more Panamanians have access to an affordable high-quality mobile network.”
Digicel won a competitive bid process for a license to operate a GSM mobile network in Panama in May 2008. With 20 years experience in telecommunications, Digicel Panama is led by Raul Burgos, whose past accomplishments include senior management positions in SunCom Wireless, Nextel, Telecorp and AT&T Wireless.
With operations in 31 markets world-wide and more than 6.4 million customers, Digicel’s investment in the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific now exceeds US$3.4 billion. As the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean, Digicel is renowned for reshaping the competitive landscape through revolutionary offers and promotions. In El Salvador, Digicel trebled its customer base in its first year of operation to move from the fourth to the second mobile operator in the market.
Digicel Central America Holdings Limited is owned by Denis O’Brien, as is Digicel Group Limited and Digicel South Pacific Limited.

About Digicel Group
Since its launch in 2001, Digicel has become the largest wireless telecommunications operator in the Caribbean with more than six million customers. After seven years, Digicel is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services and state-of-the-art handsets. By offering innovative wireless services and community support, Digicel has become a leading brand in the Caribbean and has placed the region at the cutting-edge of wireless communications — the company is also a new entrant to the Central American market.
Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and now has operations in 31 markets world-wide. Its Caribbean and Central American markets comprise Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Panama, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos. The Caribbean company also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barths. Digicel Pacific comprises Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.

About Wireless Federation

Wireless Federation is an industry research conglomerate headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The mandate of the Wireless Federation is to provide its members and customers industry knowledge that can further enhance their understanding of the wireless industry. Wireless Federation conducts bespoke research and produces boxed reports in collabaration with Industry Bodies, Telecom Operators for Issues that revolve around ARPU, CHURN and Loyalty.
They have been associated with more than 225 mobile operators globally to set their Pricing/ Tariff Strategies, Go-To-Market Strategies for Mobile Advertising, Mobile Payments, Cutting VAS among others amongst 59 countries globally.

For more information please visit www.wirelessfederation.com
   

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Digicel launches in British Virgin Islands, invests $17Mn

On 12.01.08, In Mobile, By Editor

Digicel, the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central American market, today launched services in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) — its 25th market in the Caribbean and Central America and 30th market world-wide. With an investment of US$17 million, Digicel introduces a new era of choice and competition for mobile customers in BVI.
With a population of 23,000 and mobile penetration at an estimated 90 percent, Digicel’s investment in BVI focuses on building a brand new state-of-the-art network that provides coverage to 98 percent of the population. The new network is supported by 24/7customer care, first-to-market innovations such as self-service top up machines with 24-hour access and online bill payment, as well as a wide range of affordable handsets.
“We are delighted to launch in the British Virgin Islands and are looking forward to demonstrating to customers what being with the Bigger, Better Network means,” Colm Delves, Digicel Group CEO, said of today’s launch. “I would like to thank the Government for all of its assistance with our entrance to this market. As the third entrant, we will drive competition for the good of consumers by providing the best coverage, the best care and the best value to the people of this country. This is an exciting time for us both here in BVI — and more widely — as we continue to expand our global presence and delight customers with what we do and how we do it.”
Digicel BVI is led by Alan Bates, who has worked with Digicel since 2003. Serving as Head of Sales and Distribution for the Dutch Caribbean region and Sales Director for Digicel Bermuda, Bates has played an instrumental role in leading the company’s operations to the number one position in the market.
With a thriving tourism and financial services industry, BVI has one of the most prosperous economies in the Caribbean. BVI covers a group of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands, with the main islands being Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and Anegada.

ABOUT DIGICEL GROUP
Since its launch in 2001, Digicel has become the largest wireless telecommunications operator in the Caribbean with more than six million customers. After seven years, Digicel is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services and state-of-the-art handsets. By offering innovative wireless services and community support, Digicel has become a leading brand in the Caribbean and has placed the region at the cutting-edge of wireless communications — the company is also a new entrant to the Central American market.
Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and now has operations in 25 markets, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos. With a launch planned imminently in Panama, Digicel expects to be in 26 markets by the end of the year. The Caribbean company also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barths.
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean sports teams including the West Indies Cricket Team and Special Olympics teams and is title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Football Union Cup and the Copa De Naciones, the Caribbean and Central American qualifiers to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information on Digicel.

About Wireless Federation

Wireless Federation is an industry research conglomerate headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The mandate of the Wireless Federation is to provide its members and customers industry knowledge that can further enhance their understanding of the wireless industry. Wireless Federation conducts bespoke research and produces boxed reports in collabaration with Industry Bodies, Telecom Operators for Issues that revolve around ARPU, CHURN and Loyalty.
They have been associated with more than 225 mobile operators globally to set their Pricing/ Tariff Strategies, Go-To-Market Strategies for Mobile Advertising, Mobile Payments, Cutting VAS among others amongst 59 countries globally.

For more information please visit www.wirelessfederation.com

   

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Digicel Haiti claims a million customers in eight months

On 01.10.07, In Mobile, By Editor

Telegeography writes…Digicel Haiti, which launched in May last year and is part of the Digicel mobile group founded by Irish businessman Denis O’Brien, has announced that it ended 2006 with over a million GSM customers. Digicel says it has invested USD260 million in Haiti, which it claims is ‘the largest investment ever made in the country by an international company’. It has already raced ahead of its rivals, TDMA/GSM operator Comcel and CDMA provider Haitel, despite both companies responding to their new competitor by cutting prices and launching new networks. Comcel hurriedly rolled out a GSM network under the Voila brand in early 2006, whilst Haitel is aiming to sign up data users to its CDMA2000 1x services, launched in late August 2006 (source: TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database).

During 2006 Digicel Group launched services in additional Caribbean markets including Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands and Bonaire, and acquired El Salvadorian mobile operator Digicel Holdings Ltd, U Mobile in Guyana, and Bouygues Telecom Caraibe, which extended its mobile footprint to Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana. The group finished the year with over four million subscribers in 22 markets.

 


 

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Digicel acquires TELBO Communications

On 12.11.06, In Mobile, By Editor

Digicel has announced that it has acquired the wireless arm of Bonaire telecom provider TELBO. Under the terms of the deal, Digicel will acquire TELBO’s mobile subscriber base, spectrum and base stations. Digicel entered the Bonaire market under its own steam in July 2006, making it the first mobile operator ever to connect Aruba, Bonaire and Cura§ao (the ABC islands) under one seamless GSM network. Full integration plans are now underway to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for TELBO customers to the Digicel family.

TELBO has operated in Bonaire for the past 23 years, providing a variety of services including fixed line, international traffic, leased lines, public telephones, ISDN, dial-up, wireless broadband and ASDL.

Source-  telegeography   

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Digicel buys Bonaire operator Telbo

On 12.11.06, In Mobile, By Editor

Caribbean mobile operator Digicel has acquired the mobile business from Bonaire telecom provider, Telbo. Under the terms of the deal, Digicel has acquired Telbo’s existing mobile subscriber base, spectrum and base station for an undisclosed amount. Full integration plans are now underway to ensure a smooth transition for Telbo customers to the Digicel network.Digicel entered the Bonaire market in July 2006. Digicel has also signed an agreement to become the official sponsor of the Bonaire national football team and Bonaire national football league.

Source-  telecompaper  Wireless 

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