The Tribune

BTC officials have apologised for the disruption in cellular service in New Providence over the weekend, saying it was caused by efforts to complete a step in the GSM network upgrade.

When complete, that upgrade will result in the switch over to a new 2G and 4G mobile network that will expand wireless service coverage, improve quality and increase 2G data speeds by as much as 300 per cent while providing "Blazin speeds" on its 4G Mobile Network.

"BTC has an 18-month mobile network improvement programme migrating from what is currently in place to a state of the art Ericson 2G & 4G Mobile Network switch that will enable us to improve voice quality, expand coverage and vastly increase data speeds," said Jerome Sawyer, Senior Manager Public Relations.

"Technicians tell us that transmission of 2G data is operating at about 100k and that when the switch is complete, we will be at 300k. In real terms that you and I understand, it means that when the switch is complete we will be able to download a 5-minute video on YouTube 300 per cent faster or three times as fast."

The company has been working on the installation for 14 months and expects to have it completed in another four months.

"The particular switch over that was attempted this weekend has already been successfully completed throughout all of the islands except Andros and New Providence," said Mr Sawyer.

"During the migration of New Providence and Andros this weekend technicians ran into barriers and have had to push back the completion date of this stage of the upgrade process."

Over the next four months, the entire BTC mobile network will be upgraded, but BTC said it halted the New Providence part of the migration process temporarily to avoid further disruptions on the island.

"We did not want to risk inconveniencing our customers any further," Mr Sawyer said. "We are examining ways to give consideration to our affected customers and will advise when crews are ready to complete the work in New Providence."