The Tribune

By Annelia Nixon

Tribune Business Reporter

anixon@tribunemedia.net

Aliv has launched an in-store business centre at its new $300,000 Mall at Marathon location as part of its drive for further expansion in 2026.  

The new outlet, based where the former Cable Bahamas ‘Rev’ store was previously located, is in close proximity to the Mall’s food court. It features a business centre where customers can access and share information about products, solutions and innovations that help to connect commerce.

“This is a dedicated space that's designed to support the businesses that power our communities and economy - from small and growing businesses to large enterprises and government institutions,” said Charnette Thompson, Aliv’s vice-president of business solutions.

“Our mission is simple: Help you to operate more efficiently, serve your customers better and stay connected to the opportunities ahead. We're all in that particular boat together, and we take that responsibility seriously. 

“So, in this new space that was built with intention, we have a place where you can meet with the experts who understand the challenges and dynamics of doing business in The Bahamas. Whether you're looking for fixed or mobile solutions, we can provide personalised guidance on cloud and cyber security services, and provide deeper conversations, information and insights on the future of technology and innovations and operations,” Ms Thompson added. 

“We're here to assist. The Aliv Business Centre features a business-focused environment with its own lobby and dedicated consultation area designed to make every visit feel like speaking with your own personal, trusted partner in technology.”

Franklyn Butler, president and chief executive of Cable Bahamas, which owns 48.25 percent of Aliv and holds Board and management control of the mobile operator, emphasised that Bahamian contractors were responsible for the $300,000 renovation.

Keiran Chase, Aliv’s director of consumer sales, said efficiency and functionality of the store’s space has been improved. “They [employees] are now equipped with special cabinets, for example, that provide storage on the floor so they no longer have to leave customers, leading to an unpleasant experience,” he explained.

“The back office has been enhanced and well routed so that they can efficiently complete their end-of-day activities. And for me, honestly, that is extremely satisfying to hear that feedback from our team members that they have now a more comfortable space to operate within.”

Mr Butler said the flagship Aliv store will provide a “world class customer experience”, while being more “modern” and “hands on”. He added that this location is only the first “transformation” of many.

“So you'll see many screens, and they tell me, almost like an ATM machine, where you can pay your bills now,” he said. “So again, we are the cutting edge of transformation.

“And so the Mall at Marathon continues to be a central hub for our business, and a key touch point for customers who we serve every day. This store strengthens our retail footprint and supports our broad strategy of delivering world class customer service while promoting a technology-forward Bahamas. 

“Today is just the beginning. This is the first of several transformations you will see across our network, our retail stores and our service models, and we will continue to invest in our people, our infrastructure and our innovation road map to ensure Thw Bahamas remains at the forefront of the regional telecommunications and digital advancement.”

Cable Bahamas and Aliv, according to Mr Butler, have also been investing in home connectivity infrastructure through the AlivFibr roll-out “where we have now completed all of New Providence”. Abaco will also soon be finished.

“And so what we're excited about is being able to give you a fibre service that is going to really make sure that you have the ability to get maximum upload and download speeds,” he added.

“The latency is going to be incredible. So if you're a gamer, your ability to game with friends or colleagues or associates around the world... you're going to really be able to have an incredible service. So anybody who's been a gamer and has signed up for AliveFibr, all they do is talk about how incredible it is. Nothing can compare to it.”

In 2026, Aliv plans to further invest in its network and convert more Bahamians to AlivFibr given that 50 percent of its customer base is still using the former Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) network. The mobile operator will also “think about what 5G looks like for The Bahamas”.

“You may not know this, but the Aliv network is the 19th best network in Latin America Caribbean, and those networks that are above us are only networks that have 5G,” Mr Butler said. “So when we speak to our partners, we actually have the best network in Latin America and the Caribbean, even when it comes to download speeds. 

“And so we continue to make sure that we want people to know that, listen, when we talk about the Aliv experience… and I know a lot of people remember us from Hurricane Dorian and the resilience that we've demonstrated there, that is something we take great pride in, and making sure that every customer recognises we don't just do good from The Bahamas’ perspective but we try to make sure we're running a world class network, world class infrastructure and, of course, world class people. And there's data that now supports that.”