Digicel Barbados has unveiled a major national upgrade that positions the island at the forefront of digital innovation and climate resilience. In a landmark announcement on Tuesday at Warrens, St Michael, the telecommunications provider revealed the rollout of solar-powered mobile sites alongside the nationwide deployment of its new 5G+ network.
Executives, government officials, and international partners gathered for the launch, which CEO Natalie Abrahams described as a bold step toward “a smarter, more resilient digital future for every region of Barbados.”
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Solar-Powered Network to Replace Diesel Sites
Central to Digicel’s transformation is its partnership with Caban, a Miami-based renewable energy company, which will lead the shift from diesel generators to clean, solar-powered mobile infrastructure.
“This strategic partnership will deploy solar power and battery storage across our mobile sites to keep our network running even during natural disasters,” Abrahams said.
The project begins in January 2026 and is expected to be completed by November of the same year. Once finished, 60 per cent of Digicel’s mobile sites will operate on renewable energy.
Caban Energy’s CEO and founder, Alexandra Rasch, explained that each upgraded site will be outfitted with solar arrays capable of generating power throughout the day while storing excess energy in advanced battery systems.
“This design ensures higher resiliency, lower operational costs, and a modernised network,” Rasch said. She highlighted the success of a similar rollout in Jamaica, where all solar-powered sites remained fully functional during a recent hurricane.
5G+ Brings Ultra-Fast, Next-Generation Connectivity
Alongside its clean-energy goals, Digicel is also elevating mobile broadband performance with the launch of its 5G+ network — a major boost for speed, reliability, and capacity.
Abrahams said Barbadians can expect “lightning-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and the ability to connect more devices than ever before,” noting that the upgraded network will unlock new possibilities for students, remote workers, developers, and entrepreneurs.
“Today, we are unwrapping the future of connectivity in Barbados,” she said. “A future that’s faster, smarter, greener.”
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A Boost for National Digital and Sustainability Goals
Senator Jonathan Reid, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, praised Digicel’s twin initiatives for aligning with Barbados’ national development strategy, particularly the island’s push toward digital transformation and renewable energy adoption.
He noted that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, compute-heavy technologies, and data-driven industries requires robust, secure, and sustainable power systems.
“I congratulate you on the foresight of anchoring this partnership,” Reid said. He urged Digicel to use its 5G+ platform to empower the next generation of developers and digital creatives, helping to build new industries and opportunities across the island.
Reid also emphasised the importance of digital literacy and public trust as Barbados moves toward more advanced technological systems, encouraging Digicel to continue its role in community education.
Connectivity and Sustainability Hand in Hand
Abrahams closed the event by underscoring Digicel’s commitment to merging technological advancement with environmental responsibility.
“Connectivity and sustainability can and must move forward together,” she said. “Barbados is leading the way toward a more sustainable, connected Caribbean, and Digicel is proud to be driving that transition.”
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