The latest mobile entrant in the local telecommunications market AT&T Wireless has again insisted that it will adhere to the strictest policy as it relates to the way customers on the island purchase their handsets.

General Manager for the company Susan Roberts announced during a news conference on Tuesday at the Rex Grenadian Hotel in the south of the island that, AT&T Wireless will begin operations in the country this Friday from 9:00 a.m.

Several local businesses have been identified as agents for the company including all Courts and Huggins Stores throughout the island, Kalico Shopping Center at St. Patrick's, Zoom Photos and Just CD's at Spiceland Mall in St. George's.

Other agents include Grenada Sugar Factory. (GSF), Gittens Agency and Drug Mart as well as Paddy's Enterprise on the sister isle of Carriacou. The company is also in search of an office space in St. George's and they are planning to open another outlet at the Cruise Ship Terminal when it is completed.

According to Roberts, AT&T agents will not sell more than a single handset to a customer just off the streets and cannot give a credible reason or provide some sort of identification as to why he/she wants to purchase more than one telephone.

The AT&T General Manager pointed out that her company had lost some 1500 telephones due to "smugglers" in St. Vincent and so they do not intend to suffer a similar fate in Grenada.

Roberts stated that she was criticised for saying that her company will have the SIM card permanently affixed with super glue to avoid pirating and smuggling of phones.

She insisted that if a customer has a "legitimate" reason why their SIM should not be affixed their requests will be reviewed from time to time.

The AT&T General Manager pointed out however that her earlier comments about having the SIM card fixed will remain. Roberts disclosed that law enforcement officials such as the Customs Department at Point Salines International Airport (PSIA) as well as Police Commissioner Fitzroy Bedeau have already been informed about the smuggling situation.

She said that the instructions given were for the phones to be seized from the individual, then she will go to the airport to retrieve them herself to prevent them being taken out of the country.

The AT&T Wireless General Manager promised that Grenadians can expect the highest level of customer service as well as an extensive island wide coverage that will make them want to continue doing business with the company.

She declined to say how much their handsets as well as their rates for local and overseas calls will cost because according to her she does not want to fore warn her competitors before Friday and give them time to make reductions in their rates as well.

However she said that customers will be pleased and that the phones are priced in such a way that every one will be able to purchase one since they are targeting locals, roamers as well as North Americans.

AT&T Wireless have planned a week-end of activities to mark their opening in Grenada. On Saturday there will be a business conference at the Rex Grenadian for the private sector and on Sunday a beach party at Grand Anse where there will be several giveaways as well as games and other fun filled activities.