The Australian government is providing $3 billion (US$1.33b) in a financing package to support Telstra’s acquisition of Digicel Pacific.

The deal with Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company was sealed yesterday. Telstra brings strong capabilities to ensure secure, reliable and high- quality services are provided to Pacific communities, including in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Nauru.

Telstra International Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Camplin-Warner welcomed Digicel into the Telstra family and said it was a significant acquisition for Telstra and for Telstra international.

Telstra will continue to invest in and operate the business across its six South Pacific markets – Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Nauru, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

“We are excited to welcome Digicel Pacific into the Telstra family. The Digicel Pacific team in Fiji have amazing local expertise and are leaders in digital experiences for their customers. Together, we will work to grow the business into the best telecommunications provider in Fiji,” he said.

“Digicel Pacific will still have the same people and products that their Fijian customers know and love today,” he said.

“Telstra will add to these strengths with our more than one hundred years’ experience building and operating the largest mobile network in Australia and our operations in more than 20 countries world-wide.”

Digicel Pacific Regional CEO Shally Jannif, said Telstra’s expertise in rolling out a world-class network and connecting remote communities would greatly enhance the work to date of Digicel and benefit the people and businesses of Fiji.

“Telstra has experience connecting regional and remote customers in challenging geographies across mountains, deserts, rainforests and coastlines,” Ms Jannif said.

“We’re looking forward to Telstra applying its network experience as well as its innovation and technology solutions to Fiji to continue increasing connectivity in the region,” Ms Jannif said.

Minister for Communications and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum believes Fiji offers the opportunities for Telstra to increase its footprint. He added that Fiji was also a hub of the Pacific in terms of telecommunications.

In a statement, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrel said: “The finalisation of Telstra’s acquisition marks a significant milestone in Australia’s economic engagement with our Pacific family.

“This transaction sends a positive signal of business confidence in the Pacific region, and we hope it will encourage further investment in the region from top tier Australian companies.”

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