By CARA BETHEL

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

BTC customers will now be able to purchase Apple iPhones complete with annual plans that include voice, data and text services.

The  historic move is the first time that BTC  is offering consumers postpaid bundles including minutes, text message, MMS, data  and a device with an annual contract.

“The iPhone 4S bundles are the result of BTC’s affiliation with LIME, as Apple has specific population size requirements in order for international business to become authorised distributors.

“The company’s partnership with LIME’s brand throughout the Caribbean, now makes it possible for it to meet minimum requirements and as part of the agreement, BTC must adhere to strict Apple branding guidelines to prevent breach of contact,” Jerome Sawyer BTC’s senior manager of public relations said during a press conference yesterday.

He explained that among the requirements, Apple has stipulated that only iPhones purchased from BTC can be allowed on the network.

“Under BTC’s agreement with Apple, the company will not activate iPhones that are not purchased from the BTC store. iPhone customers contracted with BTC are free to use their iPhones on the BTC network and travel abroad using the roaming feature.”

He explained that customers who already have an iPhone on the network will still be allowed to use their phones, however he stressed that from this point onward, persons who attempt to replace their SIM card for use on other networks, risk locking the phone and violating their contract with BTC, and those who purchase new phones elsewhere will not be able to get  on the network.

Mr Sawyer said BTC is encouraging all of its customers to purchase phones from the company to ensure that the network is not tied up with phones that had to be “rigged” to be compatible with BTC’s technology. This has in the past affected the company’s ability to provide service.

Additionally, he said, they have worked to ensure that their prices remain extremely competitive so customers can feel comfortable purchasing phones from the company.

While the news will no doubt be welcomed by fans of the iPhone, Mr Sawyer noted that the newly launched iPhone 5 will not be available.

“Apple has only launched the iPhone 5 in limited jurisdictions, none of which are in Latin America and in the Carribean,” he explained.

While he acknowledged that the company has had “challenges” providing data to consumers, Mr Sawyers they have sought to resolve most issues ahead of the launch.

“Every time we increase data capacity, we expand the network,” he explained, noting that by December they will have done so three times for the year to accommodate the growth in demand for data and the move from 2G to 4G.

He said the company continues to gain customer loyalty by offering more attractive plans and encouraging more persons to become postpaid costumers.

“The iPhone and other smart phones are changing the way we live with multiple apps that can be tailored to fit our lifestyles, no matter where we might be in the Bahamas.

“The demand for such phones, especially iPhones, is growing in the market and the introduction of complete bundles make the overall experience more attractive and convenient,” Mr Sawyer said.

The new plans range in size and price from $41-$127 depending on the amount of data, which ranges from 1GB to 5 GB.