Jamaican-based, Caribbean mobile telephone company Digicel has begun offering mobile services in El Salvador, marking its first foray into Central America.

Customers line up to enter a Digicel store in El Salvador.

Digicel will reach communities that have been previously underserved by the incumbents - offering 95 per cent population coverage and per second billing. El Salvador has a population of 7 million people with mobile penetration at approximately 33 per cent. The country's mobile market continues to enjoy sustained growth with mobile phones overtaking fixed lines service in 2002.

"We are delighted to be in El Salvador and very optimistic about the future potential for growth in this market," said Digicel Group Chairman Denis O'Brien. "El Salvador is a very exciting marketplace for Digicel with low penetration, a young population and a buoyant economy. We look forward to growing our operation and bringing the best quality service to the people of El Salvador."

Digicel first entered the El Salvador market through its acquisition of Digicel Holdings Ltd last year and the company's initial commitment of more than US$150 million is focused on expanding and upgrading the network.

According to El Salvador's Minister of Telecommunications and Electricity, Fernando Arg?ello, "The launch of Digicel in El Salvador is a significant development for our mobile telecommunications market. Digicel brings an excellent track record for service and innovation from their experience in the Caribbean market, which can only contribute greatly to the competitiveness of the sector and offer better choice and value for the people of El Salvador".

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