Island Real Estate BVI Blog

Cable & Wireless Slashes All International Calls Rates from Fixed Lines & Mobiles by up to 64%
The New rates from C&W now up to 60% Cheaper than CCT

Cable & Wireless, the longest-standing telecommunications company in the Caribbean, announced today in a press release an incredible reduction of up to 64% off its rates from fixed lines and mobiles for calls to international destinations. The new rates are now up to 60% cheaper when compared to competitor CCT’s fixed wireless and mobile prices.

The new international direct dialed rates come into effect from 17th July 2008. Rates will automatically apply to all new and existing C&W customers from this date. Prices now start from just 15 cents per minute, offering C&W Mobile and Fixed customers the lowest prices and greatest value in the BVI for international calls. The new rates present substantial savings for customers on calls to the most popular international destinations.

* Customers can save up to 64% on calls made to other C&W Caribbean destinations, including Guyana and Dominican Republic – now just 20¢ per minute on weekends. This is up to 60% lower than CCT.

* Calls to the USVI are now just 15¢ per minute on weekends – a savings of 25% and up to 40% cheaper when compared to CCT.

* Calls to the USA, UK and Canada are now 20¢ per minute on the weekends – a savings of 56% and up to 50% cheaper when compared to CCT.

* Additionally, TalkAway discounts still apply to Postpaid Mobile and Home Fixed Line customers who get an additional 20% discount when phoning their nominated numbers.

* All calls continue to be billed by the second – offering up to 33% further savings compared to CCT’s overseas calling rates who still bill customers by the whole minute.

“Our customers can now truly call anywhere in the world for less - be it from your home, office, fixed line or mobile, for as little as 15¢ per minute” said Mr. Vance Lewis, Chief Executive, Cable & Wireless (BVI) Limited.

Commenting further, Mr. Lewis said “Moreover, you need to do nothing but pick up the phone. From 17th July, these rates will automatically apply. So, go ahead, save up to 60% over what you would pay CCT. Call the USVI for just 15¢ per minute or call the Caribbean from just 20¢ per minute from your fixed line or bmobile service and pay the cheapest rates in the BVI.”

Cable & Wireless continues to listen to its customers and remain committed to being the BVI’s first choice for all communications needs by giving superior savings for local and international calling:

* In 2005 the company reduced international calling rates by up to 68% and has continually provided the consumers of BVI with the lowest rates, better flexibility and choice.

* February 2008 customers received even more benefits and savings on local calls when Cable & Wireless launched Home Plus Calling Plans that gave a 25% reduction, from 20¢ to15¢, on local calls from fixed lines to bmobile and CCT, plus included free minutes for calls made to any local bmobile number in the BVI.

* In March of this year, Cable & Wireless Postpaid Mobile customers received benefits in having the lowest postpaid mobile rates in the BVI. Plans starting at just $35 per month for a bAnywhere 150 minute plan, plus a reduction of 20% off its bAnywhere per minute rate. Now just 20c per minute to call from bmobile to anywhere in the world!

Cable & Wireless will continue to offer its BVI customers unbelievable savings, the lowest rates with the best value for money with more choices for any budget or calling need.

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Below are questions answered by Cable & Wireless about the new reduced rates:

Q. Why is Cable & Wireless lowering its international rates now? Does the eminent market entry of another competitor have any thing to do with this latest rate reduction?
A. Cable & Wireless continues to listen to our customers and as a result of the feedback we have received, we remain committed to providing our customers with the lowest rates, the best value for money and the flexibility they want and deserve. Because we are steadfast in being the BVI’s first choice for all their communications needs, we will persist in giving superior savings for local & international calling, be it fixed line or mobile service. This is the third time this year we have reduced rates:

* February 2008 customers received even more benefits and savings on local calls when Cable & Wireless launched Home Plus Calling Plans that gave a 25% reduction, from 20¢ to 15¢, on local calls from fixed lines to any bmobile or CCT number in the BVI and included bundled free minutes for calls made to any local bmobile number in the BVI.
* In March of this year, Cable & Wireless Postpaid Mobile customers received benefits in having the lowest postpaid mobile rates in the BVI. Plans starting at just $35 per month for a bAnywhere 150 minute plan, plus a reduction of 20% off its bAnywhere per minute rate. Now just 20¢ per minute to call from bmobile to anywhere in the world!
* Since 2005, in preparation for a competitive telecoms sector, Cable & Wireless began introducing low international rates by rebalancing the rate structure and lowered rates on international calls up to 68%. Our customers have been benefitting from our commitment and flexibility to providing the best value for money.

Q. What do customers have to do to get the new rates and save?
A. To benefit from the new low rates and get big savings, customers need to do nothing but pick up the phone. Effective 17th July 2008, the rates will automatically apply. The new rates present substantial savings of up to 64% on calls to the most popular international destinations. This is up to 60% lower than CCT. .

Q. Do these rates apply to my fixed line or just mobile?
A. The newly reduced international direct dialed rates apply to calls made from both your C&W mobile and fixed line.

Q. How do your new international rates compare to CCT’s?
A. With prices starting as low as 15¢ per minute, Cable & Wireless new rates are now up to 60% cheaper when compared to CCT’s fixed wireless and mobile prices. (See Rate Chart Below)

* Customers can save up to 64% on calls made to other C&W Caribbean destinations, including Guyana and Dominican Republic – now just 20¢ per minute. This is up to 60% lower than CCT.
* Calls to the USVI start from just 15¢ per minute – a savings of 25% and up to 40% cheaper when compared to CCT.
* Calls to the USA, UK and Canada start from 20¢ per minute – a savings of 56% and up to 50% cheaper when compared to CCT.
* Additionally, TalkAway discounts still apply to Postpaid Mobile and Home Fixed Line customers who get an additional 20% discount when phoning their nominated numbers. .

Q. Are these calls billed by the minute or second?
A. All C&W calls continue to be billed by the second – offering up to 33% further savings compared to CCT’s overseas calling rates – who still bill customers by the whole minute.

Q. Is this a limited time offer?
A. No, this is not a promotion. The new international rates, with savings up to 64%, are permanent.

Q. Does the rate change depending on the time I make the call?
A. Yes, there are three time bands which change the rate depending on the time of call. Daytime is from Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm; Evenings Monday to Friday 6pm – 8am and Weekends midnight Friday until midnight Sunday.

Q. Can I use TalkAway discounts on top of the reduced calling rate?
A. Yes, TalkAway discounts still apply to Postpaid Mobile and Home Fixed Line customers who get an additional 20% discount when phoning their nominated numbers.