Flow has launched 5G services in Cayman for the first time, in what the telecommunications company calls the “fifth generation of mobile technology”.
Susanna O’Sullivan, Flow north Caribbean vice president and general manager, at the launch announcement on Tuesday, said the company decided to focus on investing in the Cayman Islands because it was a logical next step in network expansion.
5G service has the potential to provide users with faster internet speeds and improved connectivity, up to 20 times faster than established networks.
During the launch party, representatives from Cable & Wireless Communications, which operates as Flow, reflected on moments of technological development in the history of the Cayman Islands and projected how this new technology could move the islands forward.
“Built on the outstanding legacy of our colleagues who came before us, we have expanded our network,” O’Sullivan said. “We have improved connectivity and brought innovative solutions to businesses and homes alike.”
Those interested in using 5G services must have a compatible device with a SIM card and a 5G plan. Such services are only available within areas covered by 5G cell towers.
Inge Smidts, CEO of Cable & Wireless Communications, noted that 90% of their customers already are connected to high-speed fibre internet, and 5G is a key step forward for providing matching high-speed mobile service.
The current on-island network includes 44 mobile sites, with 98% LTE coverage across the islands that extends 10 miles offshore.
5G coverage is not far behind that level of availability. Smidts said 75% of the population would be able to access it.
She said regional neighbours would “dream” to have such coverage.
Other territories have made similar investments, with One Communications and Ericsson deploying its first commercial 5G network in Bermuda in December.
Youth, Sports and Heritage Minister Isaac Rankine voiced the government’s support for the 5G launch.
“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, technological advancement is no longer a luxury, but a necessity,” he said. “It is the driving force behind economic growth, innovation and community development.”
He said the introduction “represents a significant leap forward, opening up a world of possibilities”.
“This technological advancement will create a ripple effect, attracting investment, fostering job creation and propelling our economy to new heights,” he said.
Commitment to improvement
Smidts acknowledged that outages and other network challenges will always remain concerns in the industry.
“Are we flawless? Absolutely not,” she said. “You’re never going to hear me say we don’t have customer issues or we don’t have outages. It is about how we deal with them … It’s how we react, and how we take care of our customers.”
Flow promoted its new ‘Flow Mania’ bundles, which include 5G service and WiFi backup for staying connected, even during power or internet outages.
Reliable connection has become increasingly important to businesses that have invested in digital work since the onset of the pandemic, speakers highlighted.
Experts have also contemplated the ways that technological breakthroughs can facilitate conveniences like drone deliveries and creative home entertainment.
“You have our commitment that we will continue to bring those innovative services, like we do today with 5G,” Smidt said. “We have much more to come in this space for the future.”
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Perhaps Ms. O’ Sullivan can turn her attention to Flow TV which gives appalling service in every respect. Primetime programming on the U.S networks is deleted, prime sports coverage is a shadow of what it once was, online programming schedules often bear no resemblance to what you are actually getting, Does Flow really believe that we want to watch German and Italian football and endless cricket matches in India!. I could go on. What is even worse there is nobody to complain to, nobody in the Cayman headquarters who will take responsibility, it’s like a firewall, it’s impossible to contact any of their senior management. Some years ago I transferred from Logic, but they have a local number with someone who will deal with all complaints, unlike the complaints number in Cayman which connects you to someone in Jamaica, Trinidad, BVI or elsewhere in the Caribbean. I think it may be time to return to Logic.
Hopefully connectivity will get better but your customer service still requires vast improvement and as a customer for some 35 years, I got more value for money back then when it was just land lines verses now with mobile devices and internet.