[solomon star news] FOLLOWING the launch by country’s second mobile entrant bemobile yesterday, the independent national telecommunication commission says it will review the launch before any penalty can be imposed.
Nick Williams, the Telecommunications Commissioner, told Solomon Star that with the launch, the commission will now review the availability of sim cards and access to the network to ensure there is coverage to 25% of the population.
In early July bemobile was penalised.
He said like everyone else, he is pleased to see that bemobile have now launched their network.
“This should help substantially to progress the telecoms sector to a point where Solomon Islanders really start benefitting from modern voice and data communications,” he said.
But in a few days the commission will review the first stage of bemobile’s project and progress made.
“I will now have to review the launch. This will take a few days.
“The things I need to review include the availability of sim cards and access across the network footprint; the actual coverage achieved to which they must meet a 25% population threshold; and the continuous availability of the network,” he said.
If there is satisfactory performance by bemobile, no money will be drawn from their guarantee funds to meet such fine.
“If bemobile meets all the obligations placed on them by their licence, then I shall not need to consider drawing down more money from their demand guarantee,” he said.
He, however, pointed out that this is still only the first threshold of four.
“Bemobile still has money at risk up to USD$7.5m (SBD$59m) if it fails to meet the next three coverage thresholds.
“I hope that they meet their obligations fully and that all their demand guarantees will be returned to them in due course.
“We will have to wait and see.
“Today, though, is a good start and has certainly caused some excitement,” he said.
Michael Ah-Koy, Chief Executive for bemobile SI Limited, said yesterday’s launch covers about 28% of the population in Honiara, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Western provinces.
He added they ensure there is 99.9% reliable network system using their state of the art network system.
Meanwhile Mr Williams said with the launch there is some reaction expected from the other provider – Our Telekom.
“For every action there is a reaction, so it should be interesting to see what Our Telekom now chooses to do,” he said.
Already Our Telekom had slashed prices for its mobile handsets, double its top up credits and dish out free caps, bags and T-Shirts.
Commission to review bemobile’s launch here
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