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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville (centre), along with General Manager of NewCo2015 Limited/Grand Bahama Richard Stanton (second from right) prepare to cut the ribbon in NewCo2015’s Call Center, which was officially opened on Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Cable Bahamas Freeport office. Also joining them were Deputy Leader of the Opposition Free National Peter Turnquest (second from left), NewCo’s Director of Customer Care Allison Levarity (left), and Corporate Sales Manager Denise Adderley (right). (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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FREEPORT, The Bahamas -- An historic initiative, the liberalization of the cellular industry in The Bahamas “is one which has facilitated competition and the creation of more opportunities for Bahamians to benefit from and participate in the communications sector, as well as to provide more affordable and accessible access to mobile and broadband technology for everyone in the country,” said Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.
Minister Darville was the special guest speaker at the official opening of NewCo2015 Limited’s new Freeport administrative office and call center on Friday, November 11, 2016 at Cable Bahamas branch office. He noted that the opening of the facility was a reminder that despite the devastating effects of hurricane Matthew, economic and job creation remains paramount to the economic resurgence of the local economy.
“Since coming to office, this administration has led the way in growing and revitalizing the island of Grand Bahama by passing the landmark Grand Bahama Investment Incentive Bill, advancing capital works projects and extending duty free concessions to East and West Grand Bahama,” said Minister Darville.
“All of these have been proven to have a positive impact on this island and its people.
“The Government of The Bahamas remains fully committed to the advancement of its progressive economic policies, which include the creation of new businesses and the expansion of the industrial sector, while creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamians.”
Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. Michael Darville stands in the midst of some of the employees of Cable Bahamas’ newest cellular phone services Customer Care Department, during the official opening on Friday, November 11, 2016. NewCo2015 Limited in Grand Bahama is expected to employ some 30 Grand Bahamians. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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The Minister said that he was pleased to have had the opportunity to meet the dynamic leadership team that NewCo2015 has put in place and to hear about their progressive plans for the island of Grand Bahama.
He pointed out that the opening of the administrative office and call center represents a major investment in Grand Bahama’s local economy and the creation of new jobs and opportunities for approximately 30 Grand Bahamians. “This is to be commended,” said Minister Darville.
It was in April 2014 that the cellular Liberalization Task Force was formed by the Cabinet of The Bahamas, led by Prime Minister, the Hon. Perry Christie, with the objective of preparing conditions and chartering the way forward for the liberalization of the cellular industry in The Bahamas.
After a lengthy process, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) announced that Cable Bahamas emerged as the successful bidder. NewCo2015 was issued its license on June 30 of 2016.
“I wish to extend congratulations to Cable Bahamas and its leadership on a successful bid and for investing in the people and economy of Grand Bahama. I charge you today to be fair and take good care of your customers.”
Mrs. Allison Levarity, Director of Customer Care at NewCo2015 Limited noted that since obtaining its license, the company was able to install 75 cell sites (51 in New Providence and 22 in Grand Bahama). She said that the wireless network is now even larger and stronger than it was prior to hurricane Matthew.
Following the cutting of the ribbon, NewCo2015’s administrative office and call center was officially opened with the unveiling of the plaque on Friday, November 11, 2016. On hand for the unveiling of the plaque were (from left) Deputy Leader of the Opposition Free National Movement Peter Turnquest; Director of Customer Care Allison Levarity; General Manager Richard Stanton; Minister for Grand Bahama Michael Darville, and Corporate Sales Manager Denise Adderley. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
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“We were also able to install our Core Redundancy System in Grand Bahama,” Mrs. Levarity said. “This ensures that there is no single point of failure for our systems. Aliv independent network successfully placed its first call in mid-September and since then, we have continued to expand our accomplishments. “After extensive testing, we are proud to say that our network works.”
She said that the systems in which they have invested are flexible and adaptable, which will allow the company to meet the changing needs of its customers. From this perspective, NewCo2015 is hoping to enter the cellular market with an advantage.
NewCo will launch its new systems and products under the brand ‘Aliv’ (a play on the word alive, but without the “e”). Mrs. Levarity said that words like “vibrant”, “energetic”, “fresh” and “fun” were tossed around over the length of a few weeks, as they sought to brand its new cellular system and products.
“These words and characteristics are the essence of an exciting life,” she added. “While living means to be alive, it can be actionable or descriptive, but alive is a condition, a state of being. It is a way of being and alive is how we will operate.”
‘Aliv’ services are expected to begin operation on November 23.
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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