In 1980 when Vanuatu attained its political independence, TVL was the only service provider, providing telecommunications services in Vanuatu.
In 2007, the Government wished to end the era of monopoly and it introduced a Policy entitled: “2007 Telecommunications Policy Statement” (2007 Policy) that paved way to end the monopoly of telecommunications provision and introduce competition within the sector.
The 2007 Policy established four (4) guiding principles:
1. Open and competitive markets;
2. Modern, independent and proportionate regulation;
3. Non-discrimination and technology neutrality; and
4. Optimal use of scarce resources.
At that time, the Telecommunications/ICT industry was under the portfolio of the Minister for Public Utilities and Infrastructure.