The dream of cheaper, faster and easier access to internet services in Samoa has received a massive injection with the Launch of Netvo Samoa yesterday. 

Located at their new headquarter at the Gold Star building Matafele, the company is guided by its simple mission statement which is to ‘provide easy, reliable access at an affordable price supporting business development, personal communications and government services’ in Samoa.

The expectations are high. But Netvo President and C.E.O, Stephen Su’a Leota, is optimistic.

“I say we are affordable because if we are comparing apples to apples then we are less expensive than the competition,” he said.

“It’s not so much cheap internet, it’s more like you get what you pay for; people pay a lot and that is why they cry, it’s because their experience is still bad.

“Although our coverage is very small, like anything you start small and then you grow big; again I’m not a multi-billion dollar corporation like the other heavyweights on the island; we are family-owned business.”

According to Mr. Leota, he feels that Samoa is long overdue for change in terms of internet services.

“People want change in terms of internet; the definition of insanity is doing something the same way over and over again and expecting different results,” he said.

“All I’m saying is take a chance and try something new.”

The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i commended the launch.

“On behalf of the Government of Samoa; the Prime Minister and Cabinet, I would like to congratulate Stephen Su’a Leota, the president and C.E.O. of Netvo Samoa for his hard work in starting this company,” he said. “Netvo has built the most advanced 4G network in the country; this network will provide fast, affordable internet access to Samoan people.

“This will enable Netvo to achieve its mission to empower all Samoan’s to access communications, education and business opportunities through a reliable high-speed wireless internet network.

“This launch today signifies that Netvo Samoa is now open for business and ready to offer their internet services to the people of Samoa.

“This includes government services, businesses, households, families and individuals who can now enjoy fast reliable internet services.”

According to the Minister, NetVo will aim to serve Samoa the best and he is confident that they will do just that.

“Netvo began with an idea and a dream that Samoa should serve the best; the best in education, the best job opportunities and the best possible future,” he said.

“The best way to facilitate these opportunities is through better access to internet and technology; from 2013 and now, Stephen and his team has been working hard to bring this dream into reality.”

Afamasaga continued on to congratulate the hard work put into the new company and gave his well wishes to the team.

“We commend them for their perseverance, faith and hard work to date,” he said.

“Stephen and his young accepting team serve as an example to other young Samoans entrepreneurs here and around the world; to take up new business opportunities and also to find ways you can use your talents to make a difference for Samoa.

“I wish the board, management of Netvo Samoa all the best in this new venture; may God bless your company and all your future plans and initiatives.”

Minister Afamasaga cut the ribbon to open the company. The launch was celebrated during a gathering at Hotel Tanoa Tusitala last night.