Business Profile

Columbus Communications

n 2004, after it became incorporated that their work can make a significant under the Companies Act of contribution to their own country, that they Barbados, Columbus International can really make a difference.” Inc. – a privately held For Columbus, however, an investment in telecommunications company – took any region goes beyond its infrastructural its first step towards the creation of needs. More importantly, it is about the an expansive Pan- footprint. development of its social assets. The Through its residential and business company’s corporate social responsibility services, Columbus now provides strategy does not comprise impersonal cable services, digital video, donations to general charities, but it is part of high-speed Internet access, digital the business model where nation and telephony, and corporate data services to community development is part of a holistic some 42 countries. Moreover, through its approach of development for each individual Iwholesale subsidiary, Columbus Networks, it country. “Because we are [in Barbados] for now operates the largest subsea multi-ring the long term,” says Paddick, “we are also fiber-optic network in the region. By means of committed to investing in the community life this network, CN provides advanced‚ high– of Barbados.” speed bandwidth capacity, IP services, data “In Barbados and in all other countries we center facilities and business solutions to serve, we are keen to focus our development telecommunications companies, ISPs and programmes primarily in enhancing other corporate clients. education through the use of technology and Although it is still a relatively new player in preserving local content whether it is through the telecom field, Columbus has made community activities involving youth, or significant inroads during its short history. It supporting sports and cultural festivals. The continues to build a critical mass and expand idea is to make a lasting impact and enable Above: Brendan Paddick its market reach, and is consistently being future growth and development. This is why positioned as the alternative provider of Columbus has recently chosen to sponsor the choice to the legacy telecom systems that Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation’s $20 currently dominate the region. This status is Challenge, an entrepreneurial competition largely due to its “build it once, build it right” open to fourth and fifth form students from philosophy, which it achieves through its every secondary school in Barbados. We see strategic direction, capital markets expertise, that as a real investment in the future of the technical and network architecture, and country.” general management oversight. Paddick says that, ultimately, Columbus is Columbus’ real differentiating factor, “keen to help Barbados develop at the however, is its commitment to nation highest level.” It strives to provide an building. Since day one, company ceo improved technology base to allow Brendan Paddick has been adamant that the individuals organizations at every level the company remains dedicated to raising the opportunity to become serious participants region’s infrastructural bar and aiming in the global market. Paddick believes that beyond the status quo. “Our self-imposed these technological goals, as well as the mandate,” he says, “is to leave any country company’s learning, community and we enter in better shape than we found it.” resource capacity-building initiatives, “will “Our mission is short and simple,” said undoubtedly help to attract more of the right Paddick, “‘Don’t predict the future, enable it.’ kind of international investors to this Our ethos at Columbus is really about country.” As such, Paddick and the rest of his transforming the infrastructure of a country, team take their role in the region very which in turn can transform its economy. And seriously; for, “the way we see it at this is an aspect of our business that really Columbus,” he says, “is that we are all in this appeals to our employees. They love the idea together and we can all grow together.”

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