‘More Time’ Overseas Calling Service Launched

‘More Time’ an overseas calling card service, has become the newest addition to Jamaica’s information, communications and telecommunications market.

Through the service, which was launched today by local card company, Cards Jamaica, consumers will be able to purchase calling cards in denominations of $100 for 15 minutes talk time; $200 for 30 minutes; and $400 to talk for one hour, to relatives and friends anywhere in the world.

Rates are $6.67 per minute when calling from Jamaica and higher when calling from overseas to Jamaica.

Chairman of the Trade Board, Ambassador Peter King, who addressed the launching ceremony held at the Pollyanna restaurant on Stanton Terrace, today (May 31) hailed the new service, noting that it would enable Jamaicans to connect with the Diaspora.

“We are talking about a Diaspora of 2.5 million first and second generation Jamaicans in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom”, he said, asking how the medium could be used to “bridge the digital divide to develop more accurate information on the Jamaican population living abroad, to upgrade Jamaica’s image, increase annual remittances and stimulate investment in science, real estate and agriculture”.

Ambassador King, who is also adviser to Commerce, Science and Technology Minister, Phillip Paulwell noted that the country had come a far way from the days when the telecommunications market was approximately 70,000 and Cable and Wireless had a monopoly on telecommunications service.

“I want to pay tribute to those who contributed and those who have had the courage to invest and facilitate its growth,” he noted.

In his remarks, Managing Director of Cards Jamaica, Michael Wright, noted that the company was pleased to offer the product.

He noted also, that the company would be contributing to the E-learning project, which is part of the government’s programme to transform the education sector.

Mr. Wright thanked the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) for endorsing Cards Jamaica’s application for an international service provider licence, through which the company is able to offer the service.

More Time is accessible via a Cable and Wireless toll free line at 1- 1-888-More Time (667-38467) and cards will be available island wide, with electronic distribution by Cool Cards. The promotional campaign for the product begins tomorrow, June 1.