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Sep 28
1

SHELTERBOX, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL NAMED AS FIRST PARTNERS OF THE CABLE & WIRELESS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

By | Blog, Broad Band, Ethernet, Featured, News | No Comments

MIAMI, FL – September 27, 2017 – C&W Communications (C&W), a Liberty Global company, today announced the first two partner organizations – ShelterBox and Rotary International1 – of the newly formed Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation to execute immediate relief and recovery activities in the countries affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity specializing in providing emergency shelter for vulnerable families who have lost everything after natural disasters and conflicts; and Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities across the globe, will use the Foundation’s funding to continue and accelerate efforts to improve conditions on the ground in impacted territories. The partnerships follow the recent announcement of C&W to establish a regional Foundation with initial funding of $500,000 to focus urgent humanitarian relief and eventually broader recovery efforts in Anguilla, Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Speaking on the new alliance, Chris Warham, Chief Executive of ShelterBox, said: “At ShelterBox, we are impatient to help the most vulnerable families who have lost everything in the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Our partnership with Cable & Wireless will play a vital role in ensuring that we can provide essential emergency shelter and tools to the worst affected communities, giving families the hope and power to recover and begin the journey of rebuilding their lives.”

Among the specially-sourced equipment packed into its distinctive green boxes, ShelterBox also provides tents tested in extreme weather, solar lighting for when power is down, water filtration to combat disease, and items to keep families warm and able to cook together. The charity also distributes kits to help people repair their damaged properties, clear ground, and to waterproof roofs.

Rotary International is no stranger to the region, as they span 29 countries and 37 islands in the Caribbean. Through community projects, they solve real problems with commitment and vision. Rotary members use their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. In this instance, Rotary is bringing its members together from across the Caribbean to help roll out programmes to address both immediate relief efforts as well as longer term recovery initiatives.

“This partnership with Cable & Wireless is critical to the success of our various relief initiatives in the region.  We are currently finalizing relief plans to ensure immediate relief reaches those most in need; our primary focus will however be on sustainable, long-term recovery efforts through our Rotary Clubs and members in the communities affected, following detailed needs assessments carried out by our local coordinator teams on the ground. We want to thank Cable & Wireless for its commitment and funding drive across the region,” said Jeremy Hurst, Chairman of Rotary International District 7020’s Hurricane Relief and Recovery Committee.

Cable & Wireless will continue to expand its partner network as the region’s rebuild and recovery needs are developed. Initial efforts will focus on support that gives people and communities who have lost homes, livelihoods and even family, the practical aid, hope, and support to help rebuild their lives.  “Rebuilding and recovery from these devastating hurricanes is going to take a concerted and coordinated effort from all of those who can help”, said John Reid, CEO of Cable & Wireless.  “We’re thrilled that ShelterBox and Rotary, with their expertise and passion for relief deployment, have joined as inaugural partners of the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation. The aim of the Foundation is to make an immediate difference in the lives of those affected by disaster, and with ShelterBox and Rotary as partners, I am confident that we can continue doing just that.”

Footnotes

1District 7020 and 7030

Click here to donate to the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation.

Join our humanitarian efforts and donate to support the C&W Charitable Foundation #CaribbeanStrong

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About C&W Communications

C&W is a full-service communications and entertainment provider and delivers market-leading video, broadband, telephony and mobile services to consumers in 18 countries. Through its business division, C&W provides data center hosting, domestic and international managed network services, and customized IT service solutions, utilizing cloud technology to serve business and government customers.

C&W also operates a state-of-the-art submarine fiber network – the most extensive in the region.

Learn more at www.cwc.com, or follow C&W on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

About Liberty Global

Liberty Global is the world’s largest international TV and broadband company, with operations in more than 30 countries across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Liberty Global invests in the infrastructure that empowers its customers to make the most of the digital revolution. Liberty Global’s scale and commitment to innovation enables it to develop market-leading products delivered through next-generation networks that connect its 25 million customers who subscribe to 51 million television, broadband internet and telephony services. Liberty Global also serves over 10 million mobile subscribers and offers Wi-Fi service across 10 million access points.

Liberty Global’s businesses are comprised of two stocks: the Liberty Global Group (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) for its European operations, and the LiLAC Group (NASDAQ: LILA and LILAK, OTC Link: LILAB), which consists of its operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Liberty Global Group operates in 12 European countries under the consumer brands Virgin Media, Ziggo, Unitymedia, Telenet and UPC. The Liberty Global Group also owns 50% of VodafoneZiggo, a Dutch joint venture, which has 4 million customers, 10 million fixed-line subscribers and 5 million mobile subscribers. The LiLAC Group operates in over 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean under the consumer brands VTR, Flow, Liberty, Mas Movil and BTC. In addition, the LiLAC Group operates a subsea fiber network throughout the region in over 40 markets.

For more information, please visit www.libertyglobal.com.

About ShelterBox

ShelterBox is a global organization made up of people who believe in shelter as a human right – that shelter from the chaos of disaster and conflict is vital.

When people are plunged into crisis, normality is suspended. But good, quality shelter can cut through the chaos. This is why we provide the tools that enable people to rebuild homes and transform their lives.

We do things differently. We were born different. We started life as a small organization in the UK and have grown to make a big impact across the world. We don’t follow the crowd – we’ve carved our own path that leads straight to the families we support.

About Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Rotary’s District 7020 spans 1 country and 16 islands in the northern Caribbean; Rotary’s District 7030 spans 3 countries and 14 islands in the southern Caribbean.

About ShelterBox and Rotary partnership

ShelterBox and Rotary have been official Project Partners for five years, but have worked closely together for over 16 years, as one of the world’s most effective humanitarian collaborations. Together, they provide lifesaving assistance to millions of people who have lost their homes through conflict and natural disasters.

ShelterBox began in 2000 as a Cornish Rotary Club’s millennium project. With Rotarian’s at its heart, ShelterBox has grown to become a major force in humanitarian aid and a world-leading expert in emergency shelter. Rotarians and Rotary groups in the UK and globally support ShelterBox in a range of essential ways, from raising vital money and awareness at home, to helping hand-deliver the charity’s emergency aid to families in desperate need across the world. Together, ShelterBox and Rotary cross boundaries and cut through red tape to reach even the most remote communities.

C&W Communications

Investor Relations:

Kunal Patel

+1 (786) 376 9294

Media Relations:

Claudia Restrepo

+1 (786) 218 040

Sep 20
3

Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation Established

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Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation Launched with US$500K Donation to Support Hurricane Relief

 

MIAMI, FL – September 20, 2017 – Further to its recently announced relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and Maria – including expertise deployment, humanitarian aid drops and free calls for impacted customers – C&W Communications (C&W) today launched the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation (‘the Foundation’), with seed funding of US$500K to help support humanitarian efforts across the region. The initial primary purpose of the Foundation will be to serve as a fundraising hub, enabling monies raised to be directed to local, regional and international agencies to execute projects in affected territories. In the longer term the Foundation will also support other charitable and community causes in the markets the Company serves. C&W also announced a concerted drive to raise further funding from partners, suppliers and individual donors, including the launch of a ‘Text To Donate’ campaign.  

John Reid, C&W’s CEO, said, “The 2017 hurricane season continues to have a grave impact upon some of the markets in which we operate, and the present situation requires a concerted effort to provide much needed relief. What has been truly uplifting, however, is the huge desire amongst our employees, partners, and customers – as well as our extended Liberty Global family– to help improve the situation on the ground. The establishment of the Foundation is our commitment to do just that – and we’re looking to get everyone involved to help drive hurricane relief and other humanitarian efforts.”

The Company provided further details on its drive to raise further monies from partners and stakeholders across its footprint as well as that of parent company Liberty Global. C&W also announced the launch of a ‘Text To Donate’ campaign, whereby customers in the Caribbean can pledge a $1 donation to aid the relief effort through the Foundation by texting ‘GIVE’ to shortcode 2300. In addition, the Company launched an internal payroll giving scheme for its some 7,000 employees.

Reid concluded, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with those impacted during this severe hurricane season. The Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation is our deep, long term commitment to drive much needed funding into markets requiring relief, to enable rebuilding efforts and the return to the vibrancy that represents the Caribbean culture, as well as in the long term, enable further development opportunities. Together with our employees, partners and customers we will continue to make a difference in the markets we’re proud to serve.”

 

Learn more at www.cwc.com, or follow C&W on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

 

C&W Communications

Investor Relations:

Kunal Patel

+1 (786) 376 9294

Media Relations:

Claudia Restrepo

+1 (786) 218 040

Mar 16
3

Capacity Latam 2017: Transforming the Telecommunications Industry

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C&W Networks will be taking part in this year’s Capacity Latam Conference, the most important event for the wholesale telecommunications industry in Latin America. On March 28 and 29, we’ll be attending this prestigious event in Rio de Janeiro as an associate sponsor. We’re eager to engage with other telecom professionals and discuss the major trends in our industry.

Over the years, Capacity Latam has evolved into a can’t-miss opportunity for decision makers active in the region’s wholesale telecommunications community. C&W Networks’ senior-level executives will be representing the company and presenting the benefits of working with the company that has established itself as a leader in Latin America, a position further strengthened following its acquisition by Liberty Global. Conference attendees will get a firsthand look at the company’s latest solutions and the technologies we’ll be focusing on this year. They’ll see why C&W is among the best in the industry, both regionally and globally.

Capacity Latam, now in its 14th year, brings together more than 500 top-level decision makers with more than 130 local and international companies, with some 30 countries represented. In addition, 20 industry experts will discuss topics relevant to our industry, such as subsea connectivity, satellite technology, cybersecurity, and content delivery, among others.
Capacity Latam is the perfect opportunity to get in on the future of business. Use your personalized MeetMe planner to schedule a meeting with C&W Networks, and get a feel for where the telecom market is headed.

 

Mar 13
1

OTTs: If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em!

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OTTs: If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em!

Business models such as over-the-top (OTT) video services offered by operators and content providers, applications for business and home broadband services, machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, and payment applications on mobile networks are transforming—and disrupting— telecommunications services.

The Competitive Intelligence Unit (CIU) defines an OTT platform as one “that transmits or broadcasts content to different devices—such as smartphones, tablets and Smart TVs—via the Internet. They do not require infrastructure for their transmission, but instead make use of Internet providers’ networks.”

In this sense, OTT services initially raised alarm bells for telecom operators when they began to compete directly with the services they traditionally offered: voice, text messaging, and paid TV. At first, these services presented a threat, as customers avoided using telecom services or paid TV in favor of similar services provided by websites or smartphone applications. Additionally, this traffic puts significant pressure on service provider networks.

Given this scenario, what would be the most appropriate response by operators? The simplest in operational terms would be to block or throttle traffic to OTT service providers; however, this could irritate customers and cause regulatory concerns with regard to net neutrality. But offering their own OTT services could strengthen relationships with customers, allowing them to infiltrate new markets, and gain new customers. Another option is to lower the prices of telecommunications services to make them more attractive than those of the OTT competition? But that does not seem to be enough.

It appears that the best response lies in the old strategy of if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. In this way, operators are able to seize on the current success of the OTT model. These services have serious potential to transform the telecommunications industry. Also, telecom operators would be able to actively participate in this change, thus maintaining their importance for consumers and even uncovering new business opportunities.

During the 2017 Capacity Caribbean Conference, Paul Scott, president of C&W Networks, participated in a panel discussion that addressed this issue.

The bottom line is that, it is essential to have safe, intelligent and scalable networks. OTTs need capacity and bandwidth. They need C&W Networks.

Mar 02
1

The Hotel Industry: A Business Focus on Connectivity

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Guests are becoming more demanding when it comes to connectivity at hotels. Technological innovation has not gone unnoticed by the hotel industry, which is steadily adopting trends such as social media, customization, sales channel optimization, mobile apps, videoconferencing, Wi-Fi services and customer loyalty programs. What do these services have in common? They require adequate infrastructure to be implemented.

To stay competitive, hotels are increasingly realizing that they must meet guests’ connectivity requirements, since this is a deciding factor for many when choosing where to stay. Nowadays, 24/7 connectivity is essential either for personal or professional reasons. Surveys of various hotels show that Internet connectivity is the top priority for 97.4% of guests.

In addition, the productivity of hotel employees is considerably boosted by a secure and reliable wireless network, since they can use mobile devices to expedite everyday processes (e.g., self-check-in, automated valet parking, communication between employees no matter the location, etc.).

Technology offers an opportunity to improve hotels’ performance and productivity. This technology is within the reach of any establishment. If its managers have the support and know-how of savvy professionals who will not only optimize the technology investment, but also provide the most appropriate tools for management, decision-making and achievement of business targets. Even so, only a small percentage of hotels in our region have gotten the message and invested in technology. There is still a long way to go.

Feb 23
0

The 5G Revolution

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Personal devices are increasingly present in our daily lives: at work, at school and at home. Smartphones, tablets, PCs, and wearables  are just some of the devices that simplify our day-to-day activities.  for 2020 estimate that there will be 5.5 billion mobile devices globally, and according to Cisco’s VNI Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast for 2015 to 2020, 70 percent of the world´s population will be using a mobile device.

With the growing demand for Internet-connected digital devices, fourth generation (4G) technology cannot meet these devices’ greater bandwidth and faster data transfer requirements. For this reason, fifth generation (5G) technology is being developed to achieve a higher quality digital connection. But what is the impact on existing infrastructure? What technological requirements are needed to achieve a good experience in the digital world?

Various international bodies and entities are working on identifying and agreeing on new radio spectrum frequencies to assign to 5G services. This development work is focused on identifying new spectrum bands for use with network equipment and devices (phones, tablets, etc.), delivering faster connection speeds, lower latency, and better overall implementation.

The radio spectrum is a limited resource regulated by each country; therefore, establishing international criteria for its use is no easy job. Furthermore, since this resource is used by multiple communications technologies, frequency availability is scarce. The agenda for the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU), 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference includes the study of 11 potential spectrum bands for use by 5G technologies.

Note that 5G technology will provide the connectivity necessary to develop any kind of business or industry, which will open up big opportunities. Operators will be responsible for building a ubiquitous and invisible network, which will allow for optimal adaptation of 5G to the business models and use cases that companies require.

Summing up, 5G deployment calls for connectivity, next-generation networks, and interoperability, i.e., agreements among different industry stakeholders, operators, device and processor manufacturers, and software developers, among others.

The acquisition of Cable & Wireless Communications’ (C&W) operations by Liberty Global will have a significant impact in this context, since the merger will allow both companies to serve 10 million mobile, video, broadband, and voice service subscribers. “Together we will establish ourselves as the leading consumer and B2B communications provider in Latin American and the Caribbean,” said C&W representatives. This merger will improve C&W Networks’ ability to invest in its networks and infrastructure, as well as in innovation and products that will truly meet their customers’ demands.

 

Feb 21
2

An Omnichannel Strategy Will Make the Difference for Telecom

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In recent years, advancements in technology and consumer demand have gradually led us to a model in which the core focus is no longer the product, but instead the customer. Today, we’re at a crossroads. At a time when customers use a variety of physical and digital channels to research, compare, buy and upgrade. If we’re unable to offer an enhanced experience across these different channels, it’s easy to see how we could lose customer loyalty. So, what’s the answer?

These days, customers no longer perceive telecommunications networks as an end in and of themselves, but rather to access services, content and applications that bring value and a positive experience. Along the way, players with high household penetration, such as Google and Facebook have emerged. This could relegate your place in the market to a ordinary “broadband vendor” if you’re unable to offer something that entitles you to be original.

The truth is that today’s users – your customers – are exposed to countless devices through communicating and access information. Additionally, consumers are now living in a multiscreen world, a truth that is giving rise to new forms of content consumption, as well as products and services. How do we adjust to this new reality?

Without a doubt, today’s digital hyper connected world requires an Omni channel strategy to magnify the user experience.

Increased penetration in social networks and the opportunities offered by these networks generate new communication models between users and between businesses and their customers. This is where telecommunications companies have an advantage. You provide the framework that allows organizations to create their digital presence, so don’t get left behind now that market trends are moving in a new direction.

C&W Networks has the knowledge and tools to help you take that next step. Here are some areas worth highlighting:

  • Omni channel experience
  • Customization
  • Proactive approach on social networks
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Simplification of management and reporting tools
  • Connected areas
  • Simplification and transparency of processes
  • Improved relations with providers

What do you think? Leave a comment below and help us build the future of telecommunications together.

 

 

Feb 17
0

On the Path to Smart Cities

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We’re back to discuss more of the telecom market’s hot topics, which you can use as a reference to success together with C&W Networks. According to a study by the United Nations, for the first time in history, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities. By 2050, this figure is expected to reach 70%, or six billion people. For this reason, there is increasing pressure to transform our cities into smart cities, which represents an opportunity for the governments and citizens of Latin America and the Caribbean, but also for us as members of the telecommunications industry.

With the emergence of digital technology, the Internet and mobile technologies, this transformation is becoming increasingly viable. Nonetheless, not all countries are equally prepared to start down that path. By working together, we can make our region a part of a connected future.

When we talk about smart cities, we’re referring to the model that brings together the initiatives needed to make a city more sustainable, participatory and efficient with a better quality of life for its residents. This paradigm is based on three essential driving forces; innovation, technology and people. Despite its importance, technology is just one tools of many and it must be linked to planning and management processes. Innovation is needed to address changing consumption patterns which it brings us new ideas and ways to interact.

A city’s population forms a large part of these smart cities. These are places defined by their history, culture and their people. Changes in urban models cannot occur without considering the people who bring the city to life. The most important element of a smart city, both in terms of the use of urban services and participation in building the city itself, must be its residents.

Public-private collaboration is also essential. A smart city is one of those places that long term visions make the environment of people the heart and the planning of an innovative idea. It focuses on public transportation, the use of public spaces, prioritizes public safety, utilities, emergency response, the availability of clean water resources for future generations, and citizen participation within the city. A smart city uses technology as a tool to develop a vision and long-term goals. It also becomes appealing not only to its residents, but also to employers and workers generate a safer space that’s capable of promoting the development of creative solutions, creating jobs and reducing inequality. Smart cities offer endless opportunities for businesses and it’s important that we understand how to maintain them.

The path towards creating a smart city was first thought of a while ago, but there are some regions that are still comprehending this idea. The path toward smart cities was first laid some time ago; however, there are regions in which it takes a few more twists and turns. For this reason, the Inter-American Development Bank is gradually unveiling action plans for towns in Latin America and the Caribbean, paving the way for their transformation into smart cities. Urban sustainability, environmental sustainability, the difficulties of climate change, the governance and fiscal sustainability are the reasons of this transformation.

There is no doubt that Latin America is ready to make some solid changes, but for all the region’s countries to achieve these goals; the people, governments, the private sector, civil society and technology must join forces to make smart cities a reality.

We invite you to assist us on this journey of innovation and creativity. Let’s grow our businesses together. Strength and brilliances lies in the numbers.

Feb 02
1

Technological Trends that will Lead the Way in 2017

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It’s no news that technology has transformed the way people interact, both in their personal and professional life. According to Singularity University in Silicon Valley, we are going through a transition between a linear world and a global one. It is time then to change the way we see things, how we think and how we react.

Exponential Technology Growth: With faster and better ways of achieving the best productivity, new technologies bring improvements in not only better products and services, but lower expenditure and increase in accessibility.

Global Internet Access: It took twenty years to reach the first billion users; just five years to get to two billion; and another four years to hit three billion. By the year 2020, which is in three years, it is estimated that over three billion new users will have connected to the web. Many will do so this year bringing new business opportunities.

Connectivity: In the 1960s, computers were rare and too expensive for a single person to own. The concept of a sharing economy came about and a group of people who took turns to access the same system. Today, accessing the internet is seamless on both computers and personal devices. Additionally, many companies today create interactions between people and offer possibilities never dreamed of before.

Evolution of Business Models: The advancement of technology makes it simpler for new business models to enhance in a more efficient, economical approach. Innovative discoveries are occurring more frequently than before and billion dollar deals are created in a matter of months. When new innovations are released, technology is a key part of the idea. Organizations must create a key strategy around the new spectrum and rethink about the most important tactic by reinventing the policies (price, values, etc.). This year in 2017, the digital culture will be seeing more companies creating and innovating a new digital culture.

The Digital Experience: People are using technology in their everyday life by accessing applications from their mobile devices. People use it at work including the usage of messages, video applications and many other platforms that allow them to manage documents and agendas ensuring greater interaction between mediums. Consequently, the process of creating and sharing knowledge is getting faster and faster. With all the information generated by the sharing economy, companies need to identify behaviors and use this to find value in new places. Chatbots will be adopted in the coming year, precisely because they are a response to this demand. People want to answer certain questions, search for information or make complaints in the same way they obtained that product or service: digitally.

Changes in the Value Proposal: Data is the driving force behind the next major wave in the search for the value proposal. It is this combination of quality of data and intelligence on which companies are focusing their technological efforts on increasing the power of their networks, achieving unlimited connectivity and using the total power-generating capacity to compile, add, correlate and interpret data and, therefore, make dramatic improvements to people’s lives.

Are you ready to help your clients be part of this era? Find out what C&W Networks can do for you and join them on the road to a hyper-connected future.