It’s time to roam free

Digicel Bermuda customers will no longer face heavy roaming charges when travelling to the Caribbean. 

And more affordable roaming charges will be available in the US. 

Shane Mora, marketing director for the company said Digicel Bermuda is aiming to make the changes from October 1, in line with the Digicel Group. 

He also said this was a“significant” change for the company. 

Asked if roaming charges would be scrapped, Mr Mora said: “Not entirely.  Roaming rates will be eliminated in our sister markets located in the Caribbean and made more affordable in the US.

US rates reduced

“We have sister markets mostly in the Caribbean, South Pacific and a couple in Central America where Digicel operates its own cellular networks.

“Of those that are in the Caribbean, that is where we plan to eliminate roaming charges entirely.”

Asked if cellphone plans will cost more, Mr Mora said: “No changes to monthly plans expected at this time.”

He also said the decision wasn’t based on customer feedback. “Customers understand that there is a cost associated to roaming on another providers network such as AT&T.  

“Nonetheless, customers will welcome any move to lower their costs.”

As far as the current policy goes, the marketing director said: “Currently, roaming charges apply when using your mobile on any overseas network in any country or area within that Digicel has a roaming agreement.  

“Roaming rates vary throughout the world.”

Asked if eliminating roaming charges was a big deal for the company, Mr Mora said: “Yes, this will be a significant business decision for Digicel.”

CellOne customers

Addressing whether or not this decision would encourage customers from CellOne to make the switch, Mr Mora said: “I am unsure how CellOne subscribers will react.  

“Our focus is on providing the best value to our own customers. We would of course welcome any new customers that wanted to avail of our improved roaming services.”

Mr Mora said he expects the new roaming rates will make many of Digicel Bermuda’s customers more satisfied as it will lower their roaming expenses. 

No comment was available from the marketing director at Cell One by press time.