CellularOne and M3 merge (Update 1)

TUESDAY, MAY 3: Telecommunications companies CellularOne and M3 Wireless have merged, it was announced today.

The former is a subsidiary of Massachusetts-based Atlantic Tele-Network, while the latter is a subsidiary of Bermuda-based KeyTech Ltd.

Kurt Eve, CEO of ATN’s Bermuda operations, said: “We are creating a stronger and more capable single wireless company out of two very complementary businesses.

“We are going to use our combined strengths in the marketplace to deliver new products, greater coverage, better service and more options for our customers.”

Sheila Lines, CEO of M3 Wireless, added: “We intend to leverage our respective competitive strengths to deliver more reliable island-wide coverage and a broader range of wireless plans and devices to our customers.”

The new company will keep the existing CellularOne management team and operate under the CellularOne brand.

The company will have about half of the Bermuda wireless market, including both post- and pre-paid.

There will be no service disruptions and the new company will honour existing agreements, service plans and pricing.

The merger has received all necessary regulatory approvals.

Rival Digicel Bermuda was quick to respond to the news

Wayne Caines, Digicel CEO, said: “Our commitment to customers is three-fold: best value, best service and best network. As always, we will continue to do all we can to ensure that our customers are the focus and benefactors of our efforts, which is the reason that more than 50 per cent of residents, including most corporate customers, choose Digicel as their preferred cellular service provider. 

"We work hard for our customers and are always innovating with their needs in mind.”