Telecom Vanuatu is launching their new fiber link tomorrow during ICT Day in Luganville.

The main reason behind the upgrade to fiber is its efficiency compared to the current copper landlines. A fiber substitute will be beneficial for customers in the CBD, along the main highway from TVL House near Sarakata to the Shell area next to Samansen Wharf.

The long-established telecommunication provider takes advantage of its many business links in Port Vila and Luganville’s CBD as the only landline provider—both copper and fiber-optic.

“Currently, we are experiencing connection issues with our copper cables during rainy weather conditions, which affect the link quality. We want to improve this service for our customers,” says National Sales Manager, Palash Bwomik.

In 2007, Vanuatu ended its telecommunications monopoly, allowing other telcos to establish services, and Digicel immediately came to dominate mobile coverage on the archipelago after TVL’s ‘Smile’ network.

Behind their heels, ‘Smile’ managed to expand their network, giving islanders a 50-50 choice and more competitive options. From a technology advocacy point of view, both providers help bridge the digital divide and improve the livelihood of the people.

I had the opportunity to tour East Santo today with TVL’s National Sales Manager, Mr. Palash Bwomik from India, to assess their mobile customer base and explore ways to improve service for Port Olry and Hog Harbour.

“TVL’s presence in Port Olry, which holds the second-highest population of any village after Mele on Efate, has been quiet for some time. Now, we are looking to strengthen our customer base here again,” says Sales Consultant Ms. Esther Mahit.

‘Smile’ was the first to establish mobile presence at Port Olry, but their coverage stretched poorly around Hog Harbour due to the poor signal from their only mobile tower, which is heavily affected by distance and mountains.

“We have already surveyed a new site on Elephant Island outside Hog Harbour, and the new tower should improve our network coverage for both villages,” she said.

Tomorrow, for ICT Day at La Plage, TVL will be launching their new fiber link and also showcasing their products, including mobile smartphones, mobile devices for residential use, and their Flybox promotion—a 3G indoor unit with a 30GB data allowance and 1Mbps speed for 12,000 Vatu and 7,000 Vatu per month.