Digicel Pacific acquires Telecom Samoa
Telecommunications company Digicel has announced its acquisition of Telecom Samoa in a move that widens its presence in the Pacific region.
Digicel Samoa, along with its local partner, CSL Mobile Limited, will launch a GSM network next month representing Digicel Pacific’s flagship operation and providing at least 80% population coverage in Samoa.
Telecom Samoa’s existing subscriber base of approximately 30,000 subscribers will be invited to transfer across from the existing TDMA network to a new GSM network.
Chairman of Digicel Pacific Denis O’Brien said: “At Digicel we have a strong track record of entering new markets where communications needs are underserved. Digicel, our sister company in the Caribbean is currently in 20 markets and we are excited about entering the Samoan market."
With a population of 180,000 people and penetration currently at 15% Digicel hopes to bring better deals to both Samoan consumers as well as businesses and tourists.
A full GSM handset range will be available at launch, as well as a new suite of products and services. Full roaming capabilities will be provided.
To date, Digicel has been awarded a GSM licence from the government of Samoa and from the government of Papa New Guinea, and has also been granted a licence in principal from the government of Fiji in April 2006, as well as an experimental licence in the Solomon Islands.
