Digicel Pacific, the fastest-growing mobile operator in the Pacific, has strengthened its footprint in the region with the announcement this week that it has been awarded a license to operate a GSM network in Fiji.
Digicel Pacific will offer a seamless pan Pacific GSM network across four markets -- Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Fiji.
The new license follows a liberalization process initiated by the Government of Fiji, which will end a long-term monopoly on telecommunication services held by the mobile incumbent Vodafone. In Fiji, mobile penetration is at just 41 percent.
With a planned investment of US$80 million (FJ$120 million), Digicel plans to enhance mobile communications and spur competition in Fiji by building an extensive state-of-the-art GSM network and offering innovative and accessible mobile services that offer real value to customers.
"Digicel has operated in the region since 2006 and we come to Fiji with an impressive track record in both Samoa and Papua New Guinea. Given its growth potential and geographical location, Fiji is a very important market for us. Our goal is to become the number one operator in this market," said Vanessa Slowey, Digicel Pacific CEO."
Digicel Fiji plans to expand its existing operation of 40 employees in Fiji to more than 250 full time and 250 part time employees to support the company in its aim to become the people's mobile operator of choice in Fiji. The company already has a brand presence in Fiji through its partnership with Fiji Rugby Union and title sponsorship of the Digicel Fiji Rugby Sevens.
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.
Incumbent Vodafone has been the sole provider in Fiji with mobile penetration at 41 percent.
Source: Digicel Pacific
