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Digicel boosts network ahead of World Series

Digicel Bermuda CEO Robin Seale

A $300,000 mobile cell tower has been brought to Bermuda to boost coverage during the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series.

It is part of a strategy by Digicel Bermuda to enhance its network in preparation for the 35th America’s Cup in 2017.

The equipment is known as Cell on Wheels (COW), and expands coverage and capacity to meet short term needs. It also assists in ensuring the quality and consistency of the Island’s data network during times of increased volume, as is expected to happen during the World Series, which takes place in Bermuda this weekend.

In a statement, the company said its network will handle the demands from data users under anything other than exceptional conditions.

“When large numbers of people are congregated for major events, any mobile network can struggle to meet the localised peak in demand. The COW provides a solution to handle such spiked activity without degradation of service either for people at the event or elsewhere,” the company said in its statement.

The equipment will be deployed for the America’s Cup World Series event and for future events of such scale in Bermuda.

Digicel Bermuda CEO Robin Seale said: “We are expecting 5,000 to 10,000 people on Front Street enjoying the America’s Cup festivities and we are seeking to make sure they can all do so while getting online, sharing pictures and generally letting the world know how extraordinary Bermuda is.”

Digicel is set to trial the COW at the World Series event and said it would “use it moving forward at key events where capacity is required”.

Digicel staff will be testing the equipment throughout the week to ensure it works and is optimally configured.