Dawn of new mobile era for some 30,000 subscribers |05 May 2006

This follows the company's announcement, in November last year, that it would be enhancing its all round mobile offering through a R35 million investment into a brand new GSM/GPRS mobile network.

The previous mobile network and pre-paid systems were fully replaced on Friday April 28.

In a press communiqué, the company has commended its staff and suppliers for the swift and successful installation of the network. The new system is expected to provide better capacity, improved coverage, and technical reliability for all C&W mobile customers.

Mr Patrick Gopal, divisional manager of Network Services says in the communiqué that he is happy that the transition was smooth.

"Despite being one of the biggest challenges faced by the network, the minimal interruptions and the speed of implementation speak volumes about the well-organised team effort by the entire organisation," he says.

Since last Friday, the teams have been "fine tuning" the network and any remaining minor technical matters will be resolved in a matter of days.

As part of an International Agreement between Cable & Wireless and Nokia, the new network provides latest technology that will allow for the introduction of a raft of brand new services and features such as GPRS and MMS. What’s more, the new network can be modified rapidly to provide 3G services as well.

Cable & Wireless Sey CEO Mr Usman Saadat, says the transition to a brand new system that delivers world-class network and services marks a significant step towards the further modernisation and rebuilding of the telecommunication company in Seychelles.