South Pacific Islands - Analysis of Mobile Competition - 2008

Synopsis

Mobile networks are one area where we have seen the most action in terms of the rollout of new telco services in the South Pacific. Over the past couple of years, Irish-based operator, Digicel has taken a very active role in establishing itself in a number of South Pacific islands and is committed to rolling out a pan-Pacific GSM network across five markets: Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati and Vanuatu. As well improving the penetration of telco services and lowering prices, more competition is in fact benefiting the entire economy, including the creation of more jobs. Since Digicel’s entry into the Papua New Guinea market, the price of calls has decreased by as much as 60%. People in remote villages are now able to ring for medical help where previously they could not. This is a trend that BuddeComm is finding in many developing regions including Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and South America.

Table of Contents

• 1. Synopsis
  
• 2. Analysis of mobile competition in South Pacific islands
  
  • 2.1 Competition can be a huge boost to local economies
    
  • 2.2 Mobile networks are proving very cost effective
    
• 3. Digicel
  
  • 3.1 Digicel penetrates further in into the South Pacific
    
• 4. Deregulation
  
  • 4.1 Deregulation leading to increased competition despite strong resistance
    
  • 4.2 Dramatic impact of new entrants in Samoa
    
  • 4.3 Digicel brings immediate benefits to local economy in PNG
    
• 5. Related reports
  

• Table 1 – Mobile penetration and number of operators in select SP islands – 2008