BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ST. KITTS AND NEVIS has joined the rest of the world with its upgraded mobile internet system, when telecommunications giant FLOW launched the country’s first LTE Service.
The Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is an upgrade over the 4g service that Flow has provided for many years.
At a simple but significant ceremony at Happy End in Nevis this morning (Sept. 29), the company’s representatives explained that they have only rolled out the service in selected areas of the islands, but declared that the entire Federation would be covered in phases.
Customers can access the service in Basseterre, St. Peter’s and Bird Rock in St. Kitts, while those on Nevis can access it in Charlestown.
Customers with upgraded hand-held devices bought this year, and those with sim cards recently distributed are likely see the changes.
According to General Manager David Lake, the company has invested millions of dollars to develop the new LTE network, and more has been earmarked to “ensure our Federation is equipped with one of the best LTE networks in the entire Caribbean.”.
“4G LTE is to mobile connectivity what broadband internet was to dial up,” Lake said. “It would give our customers a mobile data experience. It would be as if you are connected to a fixed broadband line with download speeds approaching of 50 megs and upload speeds over 10 megs. In other words, it would be as if your smart phone or tablet was at home with dedicated broadband connections – but you are on the go”.
Despite the system only being rolled out in certain areas, concerns were raised over consistent connectivity with them being in high traffic areas. However, technicians at the telecommunications company stated they have taken that into consideration and the system could handle the load - similar to the resilience shown during Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Lake noted that in order for customers to enjoy the full effects of the new system, they must have a compatible device which would open them to numerous opportunities at their fingertips.
To give customers the opportunity to enjoy the data-rich service, the company has put together four packages that cater to the needs of all their clients.
According to Flow reps, they have the Extra Large Package which provides customers with 3,000 local calls, 24 gigs of internet, unlimited sms and 300 international call minutes for only $349 per month (post-paid).
The Small Package provides 1,000 local minutes to either network, three gigabites of internet, unlimited sms and 100 international minutes for only $139 per month (post-paid).
All packages, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large are available in prepaid and post-paid services.
However, customers are reminded that their LTE service would only be available in the areas outlined, as the company continues to upgrade its system in other areas.
It was highlighted that individuals travelling outside of the LTE area would be bounced over to 4G.
