Digicel Pacific Limited Expected to Launch Service April 2010

Digicel Pacific Limited is expected to launch its mobile phone service in Solomon Islands by April 2010.

In order for this to take place, Parliament is this week expected to pass the Telecommunications Bill 2009 to allow for competition in the telecommunications sector in the country before it goes into recess.

Representatives of Digicel Pacific last week met the Parliamentary Bills and Legislation Committee and confirmed they are happy with the content of the Telecommunications Bill.

The Bill was drafted by the World Bank.

The Bill will replace the outdated Telecommunications Act passed 37-years ago which Solomon Telekom Limited is currently operating under.

In June this year a settlement agreement was reached between the Government and Solomon Telekom for the premature termination of Solomon Telekom's 15-years exclusive license with a total compensation package of US$14 Million.