Vodafone PNG tonight officially launched its state-of-the-art network at a Corporate launch event held at APEC Haus, with retail outlets starting operations from tomorrow. Chief guest, Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil who attended the launch on the Prime Ministers behalf said, “Recently much has been said about the lack of benefits cascading to end-users, especially with falling wholesale data prices and therefore, Vodafone PNG’s entry into the market has been eagerly awaited and couldn’t have come at a better time. “The launch marks a significant milestone in what is expected to be the stimulus needed to spur increased competition, resulting in a more liberalized ICT sector with affordable access to connectivity, increased market penetration and greater choice for consumers and businesses. We will invest to the tune of $3 billion Kina into PNG, which is a testament to Vodafone’s commitment to improving the telecommunications infrastructure and connecting the unconnected”, said Kalpana Lal, Chairperson of Vodafone PNG. PNG Government’s ICT policy is focused on digital transformation, through the use of digital technologies to improve governance and progress the Government’s digital economy agenda. It is the Government’s policy objective to promote sustainable competition in the information and communications technology sector and to ensure affordability, accessibility and connectivity through increased market penetration. We believe Vodafone PNG’s entry as the third mobile operator will rejuvenate competition in the market and aid in connecting more Papua New Guineans to the internet. Regional Chief Executive Pradeep Lal said, “We are launching with just over 500 base stations, covering Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Hagen and Goroka, which covers approximately 50% of the population. However, the journey does not stop here. In the next 8 months, Vodafone PNG intends to have 800 sites live, progressively expanding coverage to 22 provinces.” Within the next 12-18 months, Lal hopes to have 1200 sites on air, covering more than 90% of PNG’s population. He said, “We have received great support and feedback from everyone, including the Government, corporate sector and the people of PNG, and we are really excited to provide Papua New Guineans with more choice and a greater level of affordability when it comes to keeping in touch and staying connected.” A recent study by Deloitte suggests that if developing countries could bridge the gap in internet penetration to reach the levels developed economies enjoy today, they would experience large increases in GDP growth, increased productivity and improvements in health conditions and education opportunities, particularly for its rural and remote communities. In fact, a well-developed, robust and affordable telecommunications infrastructure and ecosystem are critical to supporting the development of other industries and sectors and bridging the digital divide is bound to have a profound impact on people’s lives and the PNG economy. PNG has a low market penetration with 37% mobile phone and 20% internet penetration, with approximately 1 million customers actively using social media. Lal believes that given the low market penetration levels in PNG, the rate of rapid change and increased reliance on digitalization and connectivity, Telecommunications will remain an important industry for at least the next 100 years and one that will have a long-lasting and transformational legacy. He says, “This is one industry that has the potential to significantly transform lives through access to online information, education, telemedicine, financial inclusion, eCommerce and economic inclusion. From tomorrow, customers can pick up free sims from any of Vodafone’s 15 retail outlets and kiosks and over 100 roadshow outlets. There is a music festival planned for Customers on Saturday at Sir John Guise Stadium; the program commences at 2pm with heaps of entertainment, featuring various local artists, special deals, promotions and fantastic prizes. This event is free for the public to attend. Lal said, “Customers can expect simple plans with value-packed bundles, starting as low as 1 Kina per day with an unlimited talk for an hour and data plans starting at 3 Kina per day for 1 GB. There are various other daily, weekly and monthly bundles to choose from.” Based on initial assessment, Vodafone plans are much cheaper than what is offered in the market today and come with a lot more value. This is great news for customers, who are always looking out for the best deals. Vodafone also has launched an introductory offer of $89 on an Alcatel 4G smartphone, which makes it relatively affordable for customers to connect and experience faster data speeds on Vodafone’s 3G/4G+ network. Vodafone will also offer a comprehensive suite of ICT solutions, primarily targeted at businesses and corporate customers. Along with value-packed mobile and data bundles, closed user-groups and cloud-based solutions, Vodafone will offer a one-stop -shop solution for business customers, which will set new standards in PNG. “We are excited to be here and look forward to welcoming customers who are eager to connect to our state-of-the-art network and start enjoying cost-effective and reliable services. We are being  viewed as the breath of fresh air needed to stimulate and rejuvenate the Telecommunications sector. For a long time, the people of PNG have complained about the high cost of telecommunications and data and the question of affordability and reach have almost become rhetoric. As people’s reliance on connectivity becomes ever so crucial, access to affordable and reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury, but an essential service. We are here to change the narrative and the people of PNG have a lot to look forward to”, said Lal.