New Mobile Network In Papua New Guinea Spurs Economic Growth
Digicel Pacific claims that the launch of its network in Papua New Guinea's in July this year has already increased the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 0.7%. In his recent 2008 budget presentation to Parliament, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Minister for Treasury and Finance, Patrick Pruaitch, highlighted that the "significant expansion" of mobile telecommunications brought a major revision and positively impacted the country's GDP in 2007.
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Customers queue up outside a Digicel store in Port Moresby on launch day
The Minister also added that a further 0.7% growth of GDP is expected for 2008, under the assumption competition in the mobile telecommunciation sector continues to flourish.
During the last six months, Digicel has invested about US$150 million in the country, generated 300 regular jobs and created indirect employment for about 4,000 Papua New Guineans nationwide. The company is expected to invest a total of US$340 million within the next three years.
Digicel Pacific Chairman Denis O'Brien said, "We are proud that Digicel PNG is already contributing so significantly to the economy in Papua New Guinea and proven that open competition is good for everyone. It is great news not only for our management and employees but especially for the country. Digicel has a long term commitment to Papua New Guinea and we are very optimistic about the further potential for growth."
To date, Digicel Pacific has launched GSM services in Samoa and Papua New Guinea, representing its continued commitment to roll out a seamless, pan-South Pacific GSM network. The Governments of Fiji, Vanuatu and several other countries in the Pacific have committed to license Digicel in the near future.
Posted to the site on 28th November 2007
