Digicel Vanuatu announced on Monday it has signed its 5th Undertaking to expand its mobile coverage to an estimated 99% of the population in Vanuatu as part of its Universal Access Policy (UAP) obligations.
The telco said that the latest commitment demonstrates its resolve to overcome the challenges of covering the entire nation. The challenges are primarily geographical in nature, as Vanuatu comprises over 80 islands spread across an area of 1,300 kilometres.
According to figures from the ITU, 4G coverage for Vanuatu reached 90% at the end of 2023.
Digicel Vanuatu said that despite the infrastructural and logistical challenges involved, in covering remote or underserved areas, it remains dedicated to bridging the digital divide. No timescale was given for the latest undertaking.
Apart from boosting mobile network coverage, the project under the 5th Undertaking will also offer pathways for increased access to Digicel’s MyCash mobile wallet, e-learning portals, e-health initiatives and digital finance for unconnected or under-resourced communities.
“This is a leap forward to ensuring that almost everyone in the country has access to the life-changing potential of mobile coverage,” said Digicel Vanuatu CEO Gary Sue-Fong in a statement. “By providing core mobile services, this extension will make access to digital tools and services available that can drive economic growth, increase healthcare access, enhance educational opportunities and open doors to financial inclusion for thousands of Ni-Vanuatu.”