Corona can’t stop connection; how Digicel is keeping us connected with our family and friends

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“We are in a time of uncertainty and hearing the voice of our family and friends on the other side of the phone or getting an answer from a text message makes the circumstances more bearable.” Adriana Pirela (Chief Marketing Officer, Digicel International)

Now, more then ever, telecommunications have become a part of our day-to-day lives. Telecommunications (also known as telecom) can be explained as the exchange of information over large distances by electronic means. This can be: voice, data and video transmission. Our elders would be more so familiar with the telegraph, which first came to be in 1837. Now, telecom is one of the fastest developing industries in the world. Our technologies now include: telegraph, telephone, radio and television broadcasting, fibre optics, satellite, mobile phones and, the Internet.

What is the purpose of global communications? Social connection. With advancements in technology, we are now able to reach out and connect with loved ones all over the world. Research has shown that the lack of social connection can be more detrimental to our health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. In an article written by Emma Seppälä (August 26^th, 2012, Psychology Today), social connection improves physical health and psychological well-being. Connecting with others strengthens our immune system, and can help us recover from diseases faster. It can also help to lower rates of anxiety and depression, which are possible when you are dealing with extreme isolative situations.

 Thankfully, providers have been finding ways to help during the current global crisis. With this being a Caribbean publication, it is important that we service our community by providing them with options, and ways in which they can stay connected and informed about what is happening in the Caribbean. The service we are most familiar with is Digicel.

The Digicel Group has led the charge for 14 years. They currently operate in 31 markets in the Caribbean delivering amazing value, great service on a renowned network.

To help our Caribbean community stay in contact with family and friends back home, Digicel International has launched multiple packages to support their customers. Until March 31^st, when you send Top Ups exclusively via digiceltopup.com or the Digicel Top Up App, Digicel International will give additional credits to the people receiving the recharge.

They are offering special Top Up services specific to certain islands:

Staying connected with Haiti 5X: Anyone living in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada that sends a $10 or more Top Up to Haiti through digiceltopup.com or in the Digicel Top Up App will help their loved ones receive 5X more Top Up and 5GB of data.

Staying connected with FREE100 Promo: Anyone living in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada that uses the code FREE100 to send Top Up through digiceltopup.com or in the Digicel Top Up App will help their loved ones receive 100% bonus credit.

The FREE100 promotion is valid for all Top Ups from the: United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada to Antigua, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Bermuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands.

Staying connected to El Salvador:  Anyone living in the United States that sends a $5 or more Top Up to El Salvador through digiceltopup.com or in the Digicel Top Up App will help his or her loved ones receive 5X more Top Up.

Digicel customers now have free access to the official Government COVID-19 information number. This has been provided so that customers will be able to know what to do and where to go if they have further questions.

As a global communication provider, Digicel, like many other leaders, have made adjustments to support their community. The goal is to keep the Caribbean diaspora connected regardless of the circumstances. It easy. You just have to go ahead and Top it Up!