Digicel Samoa had planned an elaborate parade followed by an official program to mark the launch of their 5G network on Thursday.

This was the communication service providers bid to herald a new era of connectivity in Samoa.

The excitement was palpable among company officials and eager customers alike as preparations were underway for the grand event.

However, unforeseen weather conditions dealt a blow to these plans, prompting the telecommunication giant to make a difficult decision.

Heavy downpours persisted throughout Wednesday, casting doubt over the feasibility of conducting the planned festivities. 

On Wednesday night, Digicel Samoa officially announced the cancellation of the launch parade, emphasising concerns for the safety and comfort of attendees amidst the inclement weather. 

Anthony Seuseu, the Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Samoa, confirmed the decision was made after careful deliberation and with the well-being of participants in mind.

"We did not want to take any risks with the weather conditions we experienced," stated Seuseu in an interview with this newspaper. 

"We promptly communicated the decision via social media and direct emails to all invitees and dignitaries, although unfortunately, some eager customers arrived the following morning unaware of the postponement."

Despite the setback, Digicel Samoa remains resolute in its commitment to advancing Samoa's telecommunications landscape. Earlier this week, the company announced the activation of five 5G sites in the Apia CBD, marking a significant milestone in their rollout of 5G technology. 

The sites, strategically located near key landmarks such as the Levili Data Centre and Frankie Mall, promise enhanced connectivity and faster internet speeds for users equipped with compatible devices.

"We are thrilled to lead Samoa's transition to 5G," said Seuseu. "This isn't just about speed; it's about revolutionizing how our customers experience mobile connectivity. We're dedicated to continually improving our network to ensure that Samoa benefits fully from this transformative technology."

Initial tests conducted at the newly activated 5G sites have demonstrated impressive average speeds ranging from 550 to 600 Mbps, with potential speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps under optimal conditions. This leap in capability opens doors to superior streaming, rapid downloads, and enriched gaming experiences for Digicel Samoa's growing customer base.

Looking forward, Digicel Samoa plans to reschedule the launch parade and official program to a future date, ensuring that their customers and partners can still celebrate this pivotal moment in Samoa's digital evolution. The company invites the community to join them on this journey towards a brighter, faster future powered by 5G technology.

As part of their commitment to accessibility, Digicel Samoa also announced the availability of affordable 5G smartphones in their stores, aiming to democratize access to the latest in mobile technology across Samoa.