Cable and Wireless has officially announced that it is a major sponsor for the ICC Cricket World Cup which will begin with the opening ceremony in Jamaica on March 11 and the start of matches on March 13.

L-R: Lester Foreman, Avon Carty, Giesel Francis and Sutcliffe Hodge

The announcement was made in Anguilla on Wednesday this week. The company’s Chief Executive here, Sutcliffe Hodge, noted that Cable & Wireless had been involved in cricket sponsorship for over 20 years up until recently.

“We thought that the World Cup was of great significance to the region and as such Cable & Wireless took the decision some years to be involved and to be the major sponsor…,” he told local reporters. “We believe that it is time for us to let the region know that we are associated with the World Cup Cricket and we are very proud to be involved and we trust that we would see our Caribbean team come through. We will have visitors from throughout the world and it is a good opportunity for the region to showcase itself to the rest of the world.”

The Cable & Wireless media coverage sponsorship agreed with the Caribbean Media Corporation in Barbados for radio and television broadcasting is US$1.3 million. The total overall sponsorship cost of the World Cup to which there are contributions from other sources, was not immediately available.

Marketing Manager, Giesel Francis, stated that the Anguilla Business Unit and all other Cable & Wireless offices in the region were taking the opportunity to make unique offers to bmobile cellular phone customers wishing to follow the matches. She said customers in Anguilla would benefit by purchasing a Sony Ericcson J100 basic cellular phone and receive EC$66 free credit, allowing them to keep in contact with the cricketing events. Customers will get the first month free rental with a new sign up to the internet as well as upgrades to faster speeds for those persons already having the internet service and pay at the old price after a three-month grace period.

She stated the offers also include a grand prize raffle to provide opportunities for customers to win free tickets to travel to see the cricket finals in Barbados and the semi-finals in St. Lucia. To be eligible, customers will have to pay their bills in full, purchase any new cellular phone, modem or any accessory ort sign up for any new service or additionally top up with EC$25 or more at the store.

In addition, from the commencement of the World Cup on March 11 to the finals on April 28, every day a lucky customer un Anguilla will be receiving an ICC/Cable & Wireless package which include an official jersey, cap and other commemorative items. Customers will be able to call the Caribbean on 10.10.269 to save money with the fourth minute free. There will also be free Happy Hour texting and picture messaging from 8-9 pm daily. Customers can also text the initials of their preferred team to WCUP (9287) and at only 50 cents a day they will get all the information on the activities of that team.

Customers with internet on their phones or on their computers will also be able to see videos, scores and other match information and related events. All they will have to do is log on bmobile buzz.com.

There will also be 1 900 numbers for chatting cricket, receiving information and scores and for the regional raffle. Those numbers are 1900 222 5040 for chat; 1900 222 5041for information’ 1900 222 50542 for scores; and 1900 222 5043 for the raffle. Various other promotions will be offered later.

Vice President for Mobile and Sales, Lester Forman, endorsed all of what Miss Francis said. He spoke of the benefits of Netspeak, Cable & Wireless’ branded voice over internet residential protocol. It provides unlimited calling for a fixed price starting at EC$99. 95cents. This service is available on a first month rental free arrangement with a new sign up.

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