Digicel awarded licence to operate in Vanuatu
DIGICEL Pacific Ltd has strengthened its footprint in the region after being awarded recently with a licence to operate a GSM network in Vanuatu.
This comes after being awarded a licence in Fiji two weeks ago.
GSM stands for global system for mobile communications.
Digicel Pacific will now offer a seamless pan pacific GSM network across five markets in Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu.
Vanuatu is a perfect example of a country where the commitment of thegovernment has resulted in a speedy end to the monopoly of the telco sector by a company owned by the State and private interests such as Telecom Vanuatu Ltd (TVL).
With cellphone penetration in Vanuatu at just 16%, Digicel is planning an investment of US$35 million (K102 million) in building an extensive state-of-the-art GSM network that will enhance mobile communications and spur competition in Vanuatu offering innovative and accessible cellphone services that offer real value to customers. Digicel Vanuatu plans to expand its existing operation in Vanuatu to more than 70 employees to support the company in its aim to become the people’s mobile operator of choice.
“Digicel is delighted to be in Vanuatu. Digicel has operated in the region since 2006 and brings to Vanuatu an impressive track record in both Samoa and Papua New Guinea. Vanuatu is a very important market for us. Our goal is to become the number one operator in this market,” Vanessa Slowey, Digicel Pacific chief, said.
According to Slowey, “Digicel is committed to providing the people of Vanuatu competitive mobile solutions that offer the best value for money through our state-of-the-art network, superior customer care and innovative products and services. We are building on our experience gained in Papua New Guinea and Samoa to bring a world class organization and customer service to Vanuatu.”
Digicel Vanuatu also announces the acquisition of the previously owned Pacific Data Solutions (PDS) switch building and associated assets in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The building is a prime property in Vanuatu and will be used to house the Digicel Vanuatu office and telecommunications operations. This purchase did not include any of PDS’ ongoing businesses, including its online gambling business.
Digicel Pacific Ltd is a sister company to Digicel Group, the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central American mobile market.
In 2007, Digicel Group Ltd recorded more than six million customers and a total investment exceeding US $1.9 billion after just seven years of operation.
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