Digicell Continues Caribbean Mobile Expansion

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

27 December 2005

Since telecommunications operator Digicell agreed to acquire large parts of the Caribbean and Bermudian operations of Cingular Wireless earlier this year, it has completed the approval process in a number of markets, most recently gaining approval just before Christmas for acquisition of Cingular's operation in Barbados.

Digicell, which launched commercial services in Barbados in February, 2004, was given approval for the acquisition by the Fair Trading Commission (FTC).

The FTC announced that, after a full review of the formal merger application filed by Digicel and Cingular Wireless on October 25, it "has satisfied itself that the merger would not affect competition adversely or be detrimental to consumers or the economy."

Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Eastern Caribbean, Kevin White, said his company is delighted with the acquisition approval, and described it as a positive development for the Barbadian marketplace and community.

The company says that the acquisition will bring with it licenses in Martinique, Guadeloupe, St Martin and St Barths.

In August, Digicel received approvals for its acquisition in Bermuda (where it is based) and Dominica, and to launch a GSM network in Anguilla, where the market was recently liberalized.

Digicel’s network now includes Trinidad & Tobago, Anguilla, Bermuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

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