Photo: Digicel mobile towers in Papua New Guinea. Credit: Jason South
The possibility of Vodafone, Digicel, and Telikom PNG sharing towers is still being discussed.
Mr Lal stated that Vodafone had first discussed tower leasing and sharing with both Digicel and Telikom/BeMobile, but that no viable agreements had been reached, prompting the company to build additional towers.
“However, we remain open to further discussion if the incumbents in the market are amenable to tower sharing arrangements,” he said.
Vodafone PNG chairman Kalpana Lal said the company is aware that it is the third mobile telecommunications entrant. Still, it believes the market is large enough for three competitors, and it is committed to shaking up the sector for the sake of everybody.
“We operate in many other competitive markets across the Pacific and respect and embrace competition. While we fiercely compete on many fronts, we are also ready and open to collaborating with other industry players for the benefit of customers at large and the industry; especially on matters such as infrastructure sharing, number portability, building resiliency and achieving the goal of bridging the digital divide,” Ms Lal said.
One of the world's largest and most successful mobile telecommunications companies and one of the world's top ten most valuable brands.
Ms Lal explained that this means PNG clients would have access to industry best practices, a knowledge base spanning all aspects of the business, combined economies of scale, and operational know-how from a global brand.
“This means the PNG people will have access to the latest network technology, more affordable access to connectivity, the latest in smartphones and devices and much more value,” she said.
“Being part of this global ecosystem means strategic investment, latest technology, high service orientation and years of experience.
We will work tirelessly to bring mobile connectivity to each person in PNG, ensuring the mobile devices and the cost of the internet is affordable.”
Reference: Yafoi, Melisha. Post-courier (25 April 2022). “Vodafone Tower Share Talks”.
