BTC executives, including CEO Geoff Houston, were in Grand Bahama for the soft launch of 4G, a platform that provides greater reliability and faster speeds on all wireless devices and opens up a world of entertainment, social interaction and other benefits for those using Androids, tablets, Samsung Galaxy models and other 4G-enabled devices.
The Grand Bahama launch of 4G is nearly a month ahead of schedule. It follows the official launch of the same technology in New Providence one week earlier when Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham switched on 4G during a dramatic reality hook-up created by the The Movi Group, an award-winning video and marketing company based in Nassau. Lights flashed and blinked. A robotic voice announced the transition to the applause of crowds gathered to watch the Prime Minister hold his hand to a matching hand behind a screen and the voice announced the transition.
In Grand Bahama, the “magic hand” of long-time BTC staff member Joyce Evans, now retired, activated 4G.
“This is the beginning of our leap into 4G, a leap that redefines the mobile experience in the country,” Houston said. “In a matter of moments the speed with which we communicate and the efficiency and reliability of our internet service will be catapulted to lightning fast speeds. This will take effect immediately here at BTC on Pioneers Way and will roll out throughout most of the populated areas of Grand Bahama in coming weeks. When that happens, Grand Bahama, like Nassau, will be on par with the most advanced telecommunications networks in the world — places like Hong Kong, Central Europe, many parts of Asia and ahead of many areas of the U.S.”
According to Marlon Johnson, BTC Vice President Brand & Communications, bringing 4G to Grand Bahama is a tremendous asset for residents, businesses and visitors.
“We live in an age where our visitors expect to enjoy the same speed of telecommunications when they travel as they do in their offices or home,” said Johnson. “High speed internet and smart phones that serve as a mobile desk are no longer luxuries. They are critical components of our offerings as a country and we believe that 4G will be very well received in Grand Bahama.”
The 4G platform is expected to go live in Abaco and Exuma by the end of the of the first quarter of 2012 with the remaining Family Islands all experiencing lightning fast telecommunications by the end of the year. The company is also enhancing its retail stores throughout The Bahamas and increasing its retail footprint to some 50 stores over the next two years, creating jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. In Grand Bahama, the store on Pioneers Way is scheduled for a major renovation.
About BTC
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is the leading telecoms operator in The Bahamas. We are jointly owned by Cable & Wireless Communications (51%) and the Government of The Bahamas (49%). Cable & Wireless Communications has both management and Board control.
We are the exclusive mobile operator in The Bahamas, as well as a leading provider of fixed-line, broadband services, enterprise and carrier services.
We are a significant investor into the Bahamian community, supporting organisations such as the Bahamas Association of Athletics Associations (BAAA) and organising events such as the annual BTC Blood Drive and BTC Starmaker contest.
