BTC has announced that it has successfully upgraded the mobile network on Ragged Island to 100% LTE services, including Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for improved call quality. This recent upgrade marks a complete transition from older 2G and 3G technologies, providing residents with faster data speeds and clearer voice calls.
BTC’s Chief Executive Officer, Sameer Bhatti commented on this upgrade saying, “We are happy to unveil a fully modernized mobile network on Ragged Island, delivering cutting-edge LTE technology to our valued customers. As a token of our appreciation and to celebrate the holiday season, we’re delighted to offer complimentary LTE mobile devices to all BTC customers on the island. This upgrade represents our commitment to providing top-tier connectivity and ensuring our customers can embrace the digital age, no matter where they reside in our beautiful archipelago.”
BTC has taken steps to ensure a smooth transition for Ragged Island residents. The company is providing complimentary LTE-compatible mobile devices to all its customers on the island. Residents are also receiving upgraded LTE or e-SIM cards to fully utilize the new network capabilities. The BTC sales team visited the island to inform residents about the changes and to assist with device upgrades. BTC customers that have not been upgraded can visit the local BTC store, to receive their complimentary device.
The upgrade has been well-received by the local community. Charlene Lockhart-Bain, a clerk in the Ragged Island Administrator’s Office, expressed gratitude for BTC’s on-the-ground presence and service improvements, stating, “It feels great to finally be reconnected to the service. It is amazing to have BTC in Ragged Island today actually on the ground and taking care of customers and we look forward to continuing business with them.”
Ragged Island resident, Mavis Cartwright said, “I came today, and they were able to get my phone working for me, and I was able to upgrade my service.”
This upgrade is part of BTC’s broader strategy to modernize its network infrastructure across The Bahamas. The company has already completed the shutdown of its 2G network, and plans are in place to phase out 3G services across the country in the coming months. The goal is to offer exclusively 4G-LTE services throughout the country. BTC is also upgrading its infrastructure in New Providence and shutting down its copper plant in communities that are fully fiberized.