‘Subscribers need a choice’

Can you have it all?

TBi is doing its best to attract new customers through its new residential Internet plan.

The company, which was limited to being a long distance provider before telecom reform, has now bundled long distance with Internet service and as an added bonus has thrown in WiFi Zones to lure people to its service.

Greg Swan, TBi president, told the Bermuda Sun, “We’re getting some traction in the market.

“Bermudians, generally, are very technically savvy. The line of demarcation between services is diminishing.”

He said people don’t need to be connected to their current service providers for their smart devices.

“Inside my home there are a lot of traditional services I don’t need. I can turn my data off… and ride on the Internet service that I subscribe to that’s within my residence.”

The TBi president said that saves money for both pre- and post-paid cellphone customers. 

“I can access e-mail, I can access BlackBerry messenger or whatever messaging platform that is out there without paying roaming charges.

“We’re very sensitive to the needs of subscribers. What our subscribers have asked us for is the ability to cut costs while still getting the benefit of what digital technology has done for everyone — and WiFi is probably one of the biggest pieces. 

The TBi WiFi Zone bundle offers 500 minutes of long distance along with Internet access throughout Hamilton, St George’s and Dockyard. The price of the packages depend on the Internet speed. A 4Mb bundle of the three services runs $79.90, 8Mb $99.90 and 25Mb at $189.90. There are also packages available at 6Mb, 10Mb and 15Mb. 

He said Bermudians want to be able to use the Internet no matter where there are throughout Bermuda at a good price.

The TBi president added other hotspot locations will be rolled out in the coming months to further give customers more value for their money. 

Mr Swan said: “For one flat rate he’s going to have as much connectivity as he can possibly get for what we consider to be the most moderate price in Bermuda. That’s where we are.”

He was also enthused that TBi has moved away from contracts.

“We believe the subscriber needs a choice and that every carrier should stand upon the credibility of their own networks and customer service. We’re saying ‘no contract’. If you like us, you stay; if you don’t like us, you leave.

“What that does is it puts pressure on us to ensure that we’re giving customers the best value for money and the appropriate customer service to retain them as a customer.”

TBi is also boasting a help desk that is open 24/7 to help live up to that goal.

Mr Swan said: “Clearly the prices have been too high and they’re starting to come down, and by other carriers as well.

“Who wins? Bermuda wins.”

He said several carriers have also moved away from contracts but there are still some who want to lock people up for a year or two before they are allowed to change whether they are happy or not.