Digicel to become Nauru’s new GSM provider when it launches in August

Friday, 26th June  2009, Nauru: Digicel, the fastest growing telecommunications operator in the Pacific, today confirmed it has been awarded a GSM licence in the Republic of Nauru in its continued expansion of a Pan-Pacific GSM network.

This latest acquisition strengthens Digicel’s footprint in the region and creates the milestone of Digicel becoming the first mobile operator to offer mobile telecommunications services in Nauru. Digicel Nauru will offer affordable, innovative and accessible mobile services that meet consumers’ evolving communication needs.

“Digicel’s expansion into Nauru further adds to our Pan-Pacific presence as well as achieving the milestone of bringing a GSM network for the first time to Nauru,” said Digicel Pacific CEO Vanessa Slowey. “Nauru can look forward to benefiting from a state-of-the art network, with affordable and accessible telecommunications for everyone.”

Ms. Slowey praised the Government of Nauru’s determination in bringing world-class mobile telecommunications to the people of Nauru and added that, “We have been working alongside the Government of Nauru for the last six months in ensuring that this investment will transform the lives of all Nauruans. We have been enormously encouraged by the sheer drive and enthusiasm of the entire team from Nauru who have worked tirelessly and diligently on this project.  Digicel is totally committed to building a hugely successful business with the Government of Nauru and ensuring that everybody in Nauru has access to the service”.

Minister for Telecommunications, Sprent Dabwido, in announcing today that the Government of Nauru has awarded Digicel a license to operate a GSM network, said, “With no existing mobile operator to serve the 10,000 strong population, Digicel’s arrival is a giant step forward for communications in Nauru and will benefit each and every individual in Nauru”.

“We are delighted to be entering into a partnership with Digicel to launch superior quality mobile telecommunications services in the near future,” continued Dabwido. “Digicel’s experience and track record in the Pacific will have a positive impact on the people of Nauru.”

Nauru is the sixth market for Digicel in the Pacific, with existing operations in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, and the 32nd Digicel market worldwide. Digicel has brought significant improvements to mobile telecommunications services across the Pacific and has provided an important boost to local economies.

Digicel’s entry into Nauru is a cause for excitement, as the people of Nauru will have access to GSM mobile telecommunications for the first time from August 2009. In addition to offering affordable voice services, Digicel will be launching a GPRS/EDGE-enabled network which will make internet access through mobile devices available to all areas of Nauru for the first time.

Speaking on the news of the launch, local business owner, Xavier Barker, said “We are excited about Digicel coming into the market. I think having Digicel here is going to make my business much easier and more profitable, and even more than that, I am looking forward to being able to call my friends in Fiji and Australia.”

Digicel Pacific is a sister company to Digicel Group, the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean and a recent entrant to the Central American mobile market. Recently, Digicel Group celebrated its 31st market launch in Panama and its 8th anniversary in Jamaica.