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Digicel to make statement on WhatsApp & Skype call blocking ‘soon’

- said the company is well aware of customers concerns
Mr Kevin Gordon, Head of Business Operations of Digicel BVI, says the company will be making an announcement soon as it relates to customers concerns about Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Photo: VINO
Mr Kevin Gordon said Digicel takes its social responsibility very seriously, and embraces every opportunity to serve the community as it strives to enhance the ability to access fast, reliable and affordable communication services. Photo: VINO
Mr Kevin Gordon said Digicel takes its social responsibility very seriously, and embraces every opportunity to serve the community as it strives to enhance the ability to access fast, reliable and affordable communication services. Photo: VINO
This young lady was the one seated on a chair that won her a prize at the FTM 'Show Love' seminar. She won a Digicel smartphone on Thursday October 15, 2015. Photo: VINO
This young lady was the one seated on a chair that won her a prize at the FTM 'Show Love' seminar. She won a Digicel smartphone on Thursday October 15, 2015. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Mr Kevin Gordon, Head of Business Operations of Digicel BVI, has informed this news site that the company will be making an announcement in relation to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services very soon as it is well aware of the related concerns.

“We are aware of the comments and opinions of our valued customers in relation to VoIP services on our network and pride ourselves on doing everything possible to provide the best customer experience. We are working hard on an approach and will be making an announcement on this in the very near future,” said Mr Gordon.

This news site took the opportunity to seek a response from Mr Gordon as it relates to the services as descending voices were loud when he addressed close to three hundred young ladies at Follow the Movement (FTM) ‘Show Love’ seminar on October 15, 2015.

At the seminar, Mr Gordon said Digicel takes its social responsibility very seriously, and embraces every opportunity to serve the community as it strives to enhance the ability to access fast, reliable and affordable communication services.

WhatsApp & Skype call blocking

He said Digicel’s ambition is to transform internet access in the Virgin Islands (VI) and to date it has invested $30m in the VI’s network, continues to innovate “by introducing the lowest price, best-selling smartphones, offer data plans for one day, one week or one month – from as low as $2 and on Digicel’s 4G network, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp are free.”

The background grumble came at the mention of free WhatsApp. Digicel is one of two telecommunications companies blocking access to WhatsApp and Skype calls using the customers’ data plan.

Recently, Minister for Communications and works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool stated that while he is not in support of the company’s actions it’s a matter that has been entrusted in the hands of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) and he was not going to interfere.

However, according to Mr Gordon, Digicel wants to be better in customer service, operations, making first class communication and entertainment services available to everyone.

“Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp should not be a luxury, but a necessity, as we connect with our families and friends across the globe (and that’s why they are free when you are a Digicel customer). Reliable and affordable home internet and world class television service should not just be for people in the US but available to all of us here in the BVI,” he stated.

Mr Gordon said Digicel’s objective is to bring the world of communications into schools, offices, into hands and very soon into homes.

Technology is ever changing and with that, it’s use (or misuse) and, on that note, Mr Gordon said directly to the young ladies of the seminar, “We caution our young women to act with prudence as they access the World Wide Web, and you can rest assured that Digicel will do whatever is necessary to protect our young people and especially our young women. We want you to know it is safe to surf, stream and share with the BVI’s bigger better network.”

26 Responses to “Digicel to make statement on WhatsApp & Skype call blocking ‘soon’”

  • rattie (20/10/2015, 11:25) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    anew face did he took OJ Job?
  • Former Digicel customer (20/10/2015, 12:04) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    I just discontinued my service with the BETTER NETWORK..... why?? ?? I had to pay for a service that I did not use. CUSTOMER SERVICE POOR in my view. No compromise from the service agents.
    Was promise Credit several times due to disconnections which were not my fault never got the credit
    CCT or LIME all the way.
  • Ears (20/10/2015, 13:43) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    Digicel service is poor. It is much better than the rest. That's how bad the rest is. Digicel is bad but a lot better the rest.
  • Plank (20/10/2015, 14:22) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Digi. Better than the rest. Their internet always running. Better reception. Accessible in more countries. Just waiting for them to bring internet TV. Cable TV jokey.
  • islander (20/10/2015, 14:53) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    TRC. Please issue a statement with regards to Digicel blocking of social media.
    Aren't Digicel suppose to pay a fine for this kind of unethical and unlawful behavior?
    In a different jurisdiction the public utilities commission usually "stand up" for the people in this kind of unlawful act in this day and age in telecommunication. This blocking of social media is a primitive one.
    No phone company should engage in putting the people in bondage. This is an act of not embracing technology but moving away from it
    • Bantah (20/10/2015, 17:06) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
      Why fine dem? Not like digi turned on LTE network they weren't alowed to.
  • Peaches (20/10/2015, 15:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So I wonder what they plan to do? Why should we have to pay for these services?
  • Mick Mars (20/10/2015, 15:31) Like (16) Dislike (2) Reply
    What announcement do you need to make?
    If I was with them and they started REMOVING programs I can use with the data I paying for..that was it.
    Move.
    Just like how I moved from CCT when they wanted me to buy a new phone to jump on their new spectrum...same way I woulda change if Digicel blocked any website/program/app because they couldn't compete with or make money off of it.
  • Moving (20/10/2015, 16:16) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    I am switching from Digicel.
  • Yup (20/10/2015, 16:43) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    i have 2 accounts with Digicel and I am about ready to leave them, Just waiting to hear what they have to say
  • Belonger With A Broader Perspective (20/10/2015, 16:45) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    If you really want to get what you are already paying for, petition Digicel's abuse to the TRC. You should have full access to VOIP on your current data plan. You have voices and power in numbers. Exercise your rights!!! Take it even as far as to boycott. Use WiFi on your phone only to communicate as part of course of action if your petition demands aren't met. As a consumer, you have rights # PowerToThePeople
  • Elmo (20/10/2015, 17:09) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Digicel gonna break LIME hearts when they get fibre!!!!!!1!!!!11!!one!!!eleven!!!!!!1!!
  • So What! (20/10/2015, 17:10) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    I have a Digicel 7 day prepaid plan and I get unlimited free whatsapp messenger, facebook and Instagram, yes I said FREE!! No other company offers free social media and I bet Digi will come good on the whatsapp calling.
  • Bigger and Better (20/10/2015, 17:11) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    I know they will sort out this soon and still is the best company in the market, that offer a reliable data every where in BVI...Fact!!!
  • just do it (20/10/2015, 17:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can use whatsapp on my Digi, sounds like SLIME and CANT CALL TODAY bloggin.
  • RTG (20/10/2015, 18:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    No problem with their service so far. I also appreciated the fact that they offered a response on the issue.

    Let's be fair, they seem to be trying...
  • Soon (20/10/2015, 18:23) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    SOON? how disrespecting
  • The people have the power (20/10/2015, 21:41) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    We the people have to power to keep or drop digicel. Since they trying to block VOIP all we have to do is drop them like hot cakes. Send them back where they came from. Drop Digicel.
  • wize up (20/10/2015, 22:13) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    what is the real purpose for our TRC; one hears nothing from them....
    • Exactly (21/10/2015, 09:37) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      I keep asking myself this same thing. What exactly is their purpose because to date we still have subpar service around here cable topping the list
  • Rita (12/01/2016, 02:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    A number of Entertaining and also Cool Graphics Design functions by Web-site designers with this Business Name and also Logo design Making use of Photoshop.IVR Applications
  • Brendan (15/01/2016, 15:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    In Curacao same crap, Digicel started out great, than went back to same price structure as the competition (cartel practises), but now it's the only one blocking Whatsapp calling and other VoIP services. The problem is that they have not planned for future technology developments that are coming faster than they expected and are trying to keep from making huge losses as people hardly call anymore using traditional lines. They can try to block it but it will take no more a year before it starts haunting them. You can't block technology developments if you are a company selling it. They'll eventually start loosing revenue or come up with alternatives to make money. UTS made 30M losses in 2015 refusing to block Whatsapp but now everyone knows and is switching to UTS back.
  • Lensin (16/09/2017, 01:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Which means call rate may go down further Its a welcoming step now our telcos are accepting voip after a small resistance But national security should not be compromised anywhere. Get all apps from http://www.vshareappmarket.com


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