Digicel links Alotau

DIGICEL PNG Ltd on Monday brought its cell phone service to Alotau, Milne Bay province.
It was launched by town mayor Ila Puka and witnessed by local residents and business house operators
Papindo and Cheongs, the local Digicel outlets, were officially opened by Digicel PNG chief executive Kevin O’Sullivan and Mr Puka.
Initially, the freshly-launched cell phone network covers Halowia to Mt Dahaluba. In the next few weeks coverage will be extended to Bou Village to the east and to Mariwatte Estate on the far west coast.
Within the next 12 months coverage will be further extended to other districts in Milne Bay province.
Mr Puka said: “We are very happy that Digicel has arrived in Milne Bay province … now our people too will have access to cheap mobile services and affordable handsets and will be able to contact their business partners, friends and family throughout the country and overseas.”
Mr O’Sullivan responded by saying: “As you know, we have opened our doors in Alotau town and with this launch, we are bringing to the market a passionate customer-centric approach to business, excellent network coverage and superior customer care, innovations in technology, and state-of-the-art handsets.
“The response from the people of Milne Bay has been incredibly warm and encouraging for which we thank you. A lot of people have been looking forward to our arrival and we will not disappoint you!”
Immediately, Papindo and Cheongs were swarmed over by hundreds of enthusiastic crowd who signed up for the service and took advantage of cheap handsets that sold for as low as K35 each.
The launch was also boosted by “Mobile Music Roadshow” featuring top Milne Bay artistes.