Digicel Samoa signs up

By Ivamere Nataro 21 February 2018, 12:00AM

Digicel customers can soon expect faster, reliable and affordable internet services. 

It follows the signing of a seven-year contract between Digicel Samoa and the Samoa Submarine Cable Company (S.S.C.C.) yesterday.

This contract can be extended to 15 years.

Digicel’s  C.E.O,Farid  Mohammed, signed the agreement with S.S.C.C. Board Chairman, Leiataua Alden Godinet, making Digicel the first telecommunication company to buy capacity from S.S.C.C’s Tui Samoa Cable.

Mr. Mohammed said by the end of this month their customers should be able to experience better and improved internet services when the cable goes live. 

“The signing of the agreement brings Digicel one step closer to being the proud operator of the network that will provide a dramatic increase in broadband with the most reliable and efficient internet available in the market,” he said.

“This is a historical moment and exciting news for the people of Samoa and our customers. The activation of this cable network is yeat another first-to-market for Digicel and a significant investment designed to equip Samoa with the most modern and world class communications and entertainment infrastructure and service.

“Our ambition is to continue to work with the Government of Samoa to improve the country’s rate of internet penetration, a key driver of economic growth.”

Mr. Mohammed adds their engineers, including international partners, are working on trying to complete technical connectivity between the Digicel network and Tui Samoa cable following a series of tests before the service is made available to their customers. 

The contract follows the announcement made by Digicel earlier this month on its $25 million investment to upgrade its network. 

“We cover about 98 percent of Samoa’s total population and the $25m tala investment is to try and cover the other percentage of the population and also to improve the services provided by Digicel to its existing customers,” he explained. 

Digicel Samoa Chairman, Pepe Fiaailetoa Fruean added such a move benefits not only the company, but the people as well, with not only fast and reliable internet services, but cheaper costs.

Leiataua reminded that the Government’s vision in the Tui Samoa cable is that it would provide fast, reliable and affordable internet for the people of Samoa. 

“Today (yesterday) is a significant milestone because it represents the Tui Samoa’s first long-term commitment from a major customer and provides evidence that the Tui Samoa has been able to deliver upon its promise,” he said.

“I am very excited to welcome Digicel Samoa Ltd on board the Tui Samoa Cable with its seven-year commitment to ensure fast, reliable and affordable internet connectivity for Digicel customers.”

Leiataua adds S.S.C.C. is also negotiating with other service network providers who want to buy capacity from the cable company and announcements would also be made soon.

By Ivamere Nataro 21 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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