Solomon Telekom (Our Telekom) has expanded its mobile network. The company brought services to 32 new rural communities over the past year, bringing the total to 63 mobile sites across the country.
The companys’ sales teams are travelling to the communities in the coming months to officially launch the services.
The Solomon Island’s National Telecommunications Commissioner, Nick Williams announced that they are planning to tender for a third mobile operator license last week.
As per Mr Williams, this is part of major reforms that took place last year in which the government reached an agreement for Solomon Telekom to give up its exclusive license. The incumbent operator had blocked the launch of the country’s second mobile network, bemobile for nearly ten months after its license was originally granted.
When the second license was tendered in 2009, Digicel applied for a license, but was rejected. Digicel had actually been granted a license in 2006, but Solomon Telekom successfully sued to block the network launch pending a review of its monopoly status.
Mr Williams added that from 1st April 2011 there will be full liberalization of the telecoms market.
Solomon Telekom, also known as Our Telekom will introduce its Breeze GSM Mobile Services in Afio, South Malaita from 12 and 13 March. The operator will provide special sales on mobile handsets, SIM Cards and other mobile accessories like solar chargers at Afio station. The system installation process was completed on 31 January 2009 and the trial test showed good reception.
Solomon Telekom, on the other hand will also continue to roll out its mobile services in the rural region with expansion plans set for 2009.
The next site at which Solomon Telekom has already started testing at the Kia in Isabel Province and Tinggoa in Renbel province.
