Minister of Public Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts revealed this information on Wednesday, at the launching of The Bahamas Telecommunications Company new GSM cellular network.
He also tested the service by making an inaugural phone call.
Minister Roberts said the new network would bring telecommunications in The Bahamas on par with 197 nations around the world, who currently use this programme.
“The introduction of GSM technology allows BTC to be listed with the more than 567 Providers who have deployed GSM networks in over 197 nations around the world, making The Bahamas a part of a growing number of worldwide users who have embraced this technology.
In fact, the cellular users acceptance of GSM Technology, is expected to reach a billion users by March 2004 as projected by the ITU,” he said.
“The Bahamas Telecommunications Company hopes that GPRS will be a service offering for Christmas, which will allow web surfing for those cell phones linked to a computer either by cables or wirelessly,” he added.
MMS (Multi Media Services), which allows for picture taking, will be available in January of next year.
The Beta testing for Pre-Paid cellular (QuikCell) is forecasted for November 24 to December 15, 2003.
As a result, Commercial offerings for Pre-Paid cellular will take place December 15, 2003. It is then that the 11-month moratorium placed in January 2003 on cellular subscription will be lifted on TDMA in the Family Islands. However, BTC will only have a GSM offering in New Providence and Grand Bahama.
This new offering will meet the needs of those valued customers that have been affected by the moratorium, and will begin to ease the network congestion presently being experienced in New Providence and Grand Bahama.
In addition, BTC plans to begin Beta Testing of Post Paid services by December 15, 2003.
BTC is working feverishly to aligned itself with other GSM providers like Cingular, AT&T, Bell South, Orange and others, to facilitate seamless roaming for its travelling Bahamian customers that are subscribers to its Post Paid services.
These agreements will also facilitate the seamless roaming of visitors to our fair Bahamas, who are subscribers of our global and regional partners.
The Nassau Guardian
