New Caledonia - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Executive summary

Mobile and fixed network improvements underway in New Caledonia

New Caledonia has a well-developed telecoms sector for the Pacific Region and various projects which are underway will help to improve both fixed and mobile services further. The government owned OPT-NC provides fixed and mobile voice services, mobile internet, fixed broadband access, and wholesale services for other ISPs.

In order to meet future demand for its broadband and mobile services, OPT-NC awarded Alcatel- Lucent a three-year contract in November 2015 which will see it extend its DWDM solution across all inhabited New Caledonian islands. OPTC is also deploying a nationwide FttH network, to be completed by 2017.

New Caledonia has one of the highest mobile penetrations in the Pacific Islands region; recently reaching around 100%. However, it does have relatively slow mobile connections speeds when compared to other countries. As 4G networks are deployed this is expected to change.

Using its fibre network as a backbone, in February 2015 OPT-NC announced it was rolling out 4G in a three-phase project to be concluded at the end of 2016. By end-2017, the operator expects more than 85% of the population to be covered by the 4G network.

Key telecom parameters – 2013; 2015

Key developments:

• The telecoms market of New Caledonia is deemed too small to warrant either infrastructure competition or a separate regulatory authority.
• Office des Postes et Télécommunications de Nouvelle-Calédonie (OPT-NC) is the only telecom network operator, but a few private ISPs offer services over OPT-NC’s network.
• A significant change to New Caledonia’s political status may occur by 2018 with a vote expected to be held to decide whether or not it should become independent from France.
• In 2016 there is a slump in the nickel sector with prices declining and this in turn is placing strain on New Caledonia’s economy.
• Fixed broadband subscriber growth in New Caledonia sat at around 8% for the past couple of years.
• Mobile penetration sits at around 100% - but mobile connection speeds are slow when compared to other countries.

Companies covered in this report include:

Office des Postes et Télécommunications de Nouvelle-Calédonie (OPT-NC), Alcatel-Lucent; Intelia.

Table of Contents

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