Tahiti - 3G mobile

3G Comes to Tahiti - Significant Step in Communications Technology

The new operator, MARA TELECOM, has signed an agreement with Nokia Siemens Networks to design, build and operate a complete greenfield mobile network in order to offer high-end 3G services in French Polynesia. Within three years, the project is expected to serve up to 100,000 subscribers in the main islands of the French Polynesia.

MARA TELECOM, the first mobile network operator to be granted a 3G license in French Polynesia, aims to be commercially operational by December 2008 with High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) functionality providing the end users with an unrivaled mobile connection speed to the Internet and services.

“We have a full confidence in Nokia Siemens Networks’ equipment and professional services. Based on the long relationship between the two companies we believe they will provide us with a strong and reliable support for the success of MARA TELECOM project,” said Julien Siu, President, MARA TELECOM.

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide MARA TELECOM with a 3G end-to-end solution, including network equipment, applications and a full range of services, comprising network design, implementation, operation as well as training and competence transfer.

“We are very pleased to be a partner for MARA TELECOM by providing a state-of-the-art 3G mobile network and services. With our technology and service capabilities, I am confident that MARA TELECOM will be successful in accelerating the development of communications services in the Polynesian market,” said Sampsa Lahtinen, Head of West Europe, Nokia Siemens Networks.

About MARA TELECOM - MARA TELECOM was created in 2003 to become the second mobile operator in French Polynesia. The company is owned and managed by Polynesian investors and will create about 80 high skill jobs locally.
The complete 3G Mobile License was obtained in April 2008.