Last TDMA Cell Unplugged

Monday, February 14, the former telecommunications monopoly ICE pulled the plug on the some 9,000 TDMA cell phones still left in the country, paving the way for newer, more sophisticated systems.

The move brought to a close an era of fumbling ICE engineers, dead phones and malfunctioning equipment, when the government company was the only game in town.

ICE began phasing out the TDMA phone system in favor of the 3G, GSM and pre- and post-paid cells and, after a new law had abolished the monopoly, began to act as if it was becoming aware that it no longer held a stranglehold on the market by doing something a private server might do: During the last months of the system, ICE offered free cell phones to any owner who would exchange it to switch to the new systems.

Only citizens or legal residents are allowed to purchase prepaid lines and are limited to 10 lines. Pre-paying allows closer control of costs and can be obtained at any ICE agency or authorized retailer.

Pre and post pay calls cost the same and during the year it has been offered, ICE has signed up 1.6 million users.