KRALENDIJK, Bonaire: Caribbean mobile telecommunications operator Digicel has announced that it 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.
Digicel entered the Bonaire market in July 2006, making it the first mobile operator ever to connect Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (the ABC islands) under one seamless GSM network. Digicel has also increased its commitment to the island by becoming the official sponsor of the Bonaire national football team and Bonaire national football league.
Full integration plans are now underway to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for TELBO customers to the Digicel family, allowing them to keep all their benefits as well as experience Digicel's leading industry service, cutting-edge technology and unmatched customer service.
Bonaire Minister of Economic Affairs, Burney El Hage, welcomes the acquisition. "This is a positive development for TELBO and the people of Bonaire, as it enables TELBO to focus more closely on developing other sides of their business while Digicel will bring Bonaire mobile customers additional choice in addition to increased support and involvement in our community."
According to Hans Lute, CEO of Digicel Dutch Caribbean, "We are delighted to welcome TELBO's mobile customers into our family and we are putting the necessary processes in place to ensure a smooth transition with former TELBO mobile customers being able to keep their mobile phone, telephone number as well as their current benefits."
TELBO has operated in Bonaire for the past 23 years, providing a diversity of services such as fixed home connections, mobile telephone, international traffic, lease lines, public telephones, ISDN, internet dial up and wireless broadband and ASDL internet broadband. Digicel has acquired the mobile arm of the business.
"We are confident that our customers will be in very good hands with Digicel," says Edsel Winklaar, General Manager of TELBO. "Digicel has a five-year track record of providing world-class quality service across the Caribbean and this acquisition guarantees world-class service and attractive rates for our customers. I am sure I speak for all our customers when I say we look forward to the benefits of top quality coverage, innovative product offerings and superior customer service -- all of which have become the hallmarks of Digicel."
Digicel's Bonaire operations are led by Bert Schreuders, former Digicel Head of Customer Relations Dutch Caribbean.
Digicel currently has operations in 22 markets. With more than 3 million subscribers, the company's investment in the region currently stands at US$1.2 billion.
source: Caribbeannetnews.com