TSTT switches off TDMA

TSTT has been operating two parallel mobile systems — GSM and TDMA — since 2003. However, the older TDMA system has been restricting the company from fully exploiting the capabilities of its GSM service. For the most part, TDMA equipment is manufacturer-discontinued making it a more costly service to maintain. By contrast, TSTT GSM service has sustained a downward trend in mobile rates since it was launched three years ago and has the capabilities to provide a much wider range of wireless services and multimedia content.

Tonight at midnight, the company will begin shutting down its TDMA network to make way for the next wave of expansions to its GSM service. TSTT has continuously improved its GSM network from inception, spending over TT$1.5 billion in just the last 18 months. Critical improvements to sustain world-class network performance and services require that all available resources now be focused on the GSM network. This includes making available the radio frequency used on the TDMA network, to expand and improve GSM coverage.

Over the past six months, the company has been preparing the GSM network for this quantum expansion while at the same time encouraging TDMA users to migrate their service to GSM. With effect from September therefore, the TDMA service will be discontinued and as a result TDMA handsets still in circulation will no longer be able to make or receive calls. TSTT advises that prior to the switching off of the TDMA network at midnight tonight, customers should delete all voicemail messages on their TDMA voicemail boxes. Customers are also advised that text messages stored on TDMA phones will not be accessible from September.

To minimise any inconvenience to customers, TSTT is facilitating a quick and efficient migration of the remaining TDMA customers to its GSM network and customers can do so by calling 800-BGSM. The migration process includes ensuring that TDMA customers who switch by October 31 get a GSM account that has their existing mobile number as well as any credit from their TDMA accounts as at midnight tonight. Additionally, TSTT will provide TDMA customers signing up for GSM service with a free SIM card and $20 worth of bonus airtime. Where a customer purchases a new GSM handset, a bonus of $50 airtime will be put on their new GSM account.

The 800-BGSM contact number will be dedicated to helping TDMA customers complete the migration process with minimum inconvenience and will provide information on all related benefits to trading up to GSM service.