March 7, 2002 – Sprint, one of the territory's long-distance carriers, announced Thursday that it now is providing cellular telephone service throughout the Virgin Islands.
"This is a whole new value proposition for businesses and consumers on the islands," said John Garcia, Sprint senior vice president for sales and distribution.
The company's basic "Free and Clear Plans" range from $29.99 a month for 3,000 minutes to $59.99 a month for 6,000 minutes. There are customized packages available at various prices, covering long-distance service, local phone calls only, and anytime use and/or off-peak minutes. The company also is offering voice-activated Internet access via cell phone, voice mail, numerical messaging, caller ID, call waiting, conference calling and automated accounted information.
"There's all different bells and whistles," Nanci Schwartz, the company's Sunrise, Florida-based spokeswoman, said. Some services carry an additional charge.
Anyone wishing to sign up for a Sprint calling plan can do so by visiting an Office Max or Radio Shack store on St. Thomas or St. Croix, Schwartz said. The two outlets are the local distributors for Audiovox, Kyecera, LGInfocom, Motorola, Samsung and Sanyo cellular phones. Schwartz said more brands will be added later. Phone prices start at $99.99.
Most packages require a one-year contract, but non-contract service is available for an extra $10 per month
Customers also can shop for the new services in the territory at the Sprint PCS web site.
Sprint is a global communications company serving more than 23 million business and residential customers in more than 70 countries.
