Digicel defends ‘Free Internet Promotion’ offer

Statement from Wayne Caines, Digicel Bermuda CEO

 I wish to respond to the recent news broadcast which reported that Logic has filed a complaint with Bermuda Regulatory Authority (RA) regarding our “Free Internet Promotion.”  Logic’s assertion is that Digicel’s offer is predatory and anticompetitive.  Digicel totally disagrees with this assertion.  Our offer is simple and fair:  any new customer who signs up for a Digicel Postpaid voice and/or data plan valued at $100 or more per month may choose to receive 12 months of free Digicel Internet (6 Mb) for their home.  Our competitors are free to make a similar offer available.  We find it incredulous that KeyTech who is the parent company for 5 companies in Bermuda and is affiliated with 3 other Bermuda companies all of which operate in the telecommunications sector would accuse Digicel of predatory and anticompetitive behavior.  It is especially incredulous considering that KeyTech has control over so many of the telecommunications services available in this small market.

Before Digicel entered the ISP market Logic and Northrock were pricing 6Mbps service for $119.95.  Digicel is now providing that same 6Mbps for just $50 per month.  Furthermore, our current promotion provides customers an effective rate of just $25 per month over two years for 6Mbps home internet service.  This is almost an 80% drop in the cost of internet in just 3 years.  Digicel is proud to have brought this value to Bermuda and makes no apologies for it.

We believe that consumers should not be prevented from availing of our “Free Internet Promotion.”  Consumers should have freedom of choice and this freedom should not be interfered with by by KeyTech.  KeyTech already controls over eight telecommunications providers in Bermuda and they have no right to dictate our business activities as well.  It is not our desire to enter into litigation with any entity.  Digicel will gladly cooperate with the RA.  We will do what is necessary to defend our promotion that serves the sole purpose of providing greater value for Bermuda customers.  We stood for value in 2005 when we first introduced affordable cellular services.  We stood for value again in 2011 when we introduced more affordable home internet services.  We will continue to stand for value for our customers so that all of Bermuda can benefit.