O’Brien’s latest mobile outpost in the Pacific

31 Aug 2009

Denis O’Brien’s Digicel has become the first mobile telecoms operator to provide services for a tiny Pacific island mid-way between Australia and Hawaii.

O’Brien’s Digicel, which is active in 32 markets in the Caribbean as well as South and Central America, has established a new outpost on the Republic of Nauru where it will become the first telecoms operator to provide mobile and internet services to the island’s population of 10,000.

It is the sixth market in the Pacific that O’Brien has located operations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Digicel to Nauru, offering Nauruans access to GSM mobile telecommunications for the first time,” the Republic of Nauru’s President Marcus Stephen said.

“Digicel’s launch is very significant for the people of Nauru. It is a truly exciting time and we look forward to the prospect of having mobile telecommunications and mobile internet accessibility in Nauru,” continued the President.

The Government of Nauru is currently working towards economic redevelopment of the country and a first world telecommunications infrastructure is essential to the continued growth of the nation.

In celebration of Digicel’s launch in Nauru, President Marcus Stephen has declared 1 September 2009 a national holiday in Nauru.

“Receiving a licence in Nauru in June this year, Digicel has established a world-class mobile network in Nauru, bringing 24-hour free customer care, a wide range of new handsets, cutting edge products and services and competitive calling rates, making it affordable for everyone in Nauru to now be part of the mobile world,” Digicel Pacific CEO, Vanessa Slowey said.

“Digicel is committed to making an important contribution to the growth and development of Nauru economically and socially. Digicel Nauru will provide innovative and accessible telecommunications services that meet and exceed customer demand,” Vanessa Slowey added.

By John Kennedy

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com