Tonga's new telecommunications operator, Digicel Tonga Ltd. officially launched its operation in Nuku'alofa this morning, five months after acquiring Tonfon Communications.

Digicel has invested over $20 million pa'anga to build an upgraded network in Tonga, Vanessa Slowey, the CEO for Digicel Pacific Ltd., said at a press conference this morning, at their newly-renovated Phone Shop in Taufa'ahau Rd.

Vanessa said they are very active in the region and are looking at building a one band Pacific network. Digicel has existing operations in Samoa and Papua New Guinea. "We are thrilled to be in Tonga," she said.

The company's Tonga General Manager, Tanya Menzies, said that Digicel is, "ready to take over as the number one telecommunications operator in the Kingdom after launching its bigger and better network in central Nuku'alofa today."

Expansion

She said they had upgraded and expanded their network right across Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua "to bring clear unbeatable coverage bringing mobile services to some communities for the first time."

Vanessa introduced the Digicel Tonga team that also includes Sales Director Tapu Panuve, Finance Manager Kisione Tupou and GSM Manager Havea Tonga.

Mobile network

"We are focusing the launching with the mobile network but will expand later to other services of television and internet, but whatever we do is for our customer because they are kings in our eyes," she said.

Local models introduced a variety of cell phone models that will be offered to the Tongan market when they officially open to the public tomorrow, May 8.

The opening will include stores in more than 12 locations throughout Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua and will sell a wide range of brand new headsets including top brands like Motorola and Nokia.

Tapu Panuve the Sales Director said they are introducing one flat rate for all calls on their network in Tonga, as well as new low price top up cards that will be made available in over 800 locations around Tonga.

They also offer postpaid accounts and international roaming.

Digicel has invested $1.9 billion dollars in the Caribbean, South America with expansion to the South Pacific that will soon include Vanuatu and Fiji.

Shaggy Concert

To celebrate the launch Digicel is hosting a free concert featuring the Jamaican reggae star, Shaggy, at the Tu'imatamoana area of the Queen Salote Wharf on Thursday evening. The concert from 4:30 pm to 9 pm will also feature a New Zealand band Spacifix and local artist Suliasi Pole'o.