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.
