2014 Statistics
Mobile subscriptions are one of the key indicators that Telecommunications Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR) relies upon to assess the growth of the mobile market. This indicator refers to the number of pre-paid and post-paid cellular mobile subscribers (using 2G, 3G or beyond). The Table below shows the total number of mobile service subscribers since 2007 until 2014.
Previous assessment by TRBR of the mobile market has shown that with Digicel entering the market created competition between the mobile operators which led to mobile subscribers reaching a peak of just over 160,000 registered subscribers in the period 2007 - 2010.
This figure fell in 2011 due to the market normalizing as consumers sided with their preferred network and more users stopped operating with sim cards from both providers while they tested both services. The 14 percent increase in mobile subscribers in 2014 over the previous year, we believe is attributed to greater consumer awareness, aggressive marketing, more promotions being launched in the market and the growth in the coverage of the network making mobile available to more of the population.
Earlier market assessments have shown that as mobile phones were introduced into the market, fixed telephone subscriptions decreased in the period 2007 - 2013 as end-users found mobile phones much more convenient to have the mobility that mobile phones provides and may be much more cheaper given the operators were offering promotional offers. In the years 2013 and 2014, however, the number of subscribers rose in this market with the increase being attributed to Digicel offering fixed services as well as promotional packages from most operators being available in the market; such as broadband offers being offered with additional landline options.
The increasing popularity for wireless internet and mobile coverage will continue to drive the telecommunications/ICT market and consumers will continue to want more of an ‘all-in-one’ gadget that meets their needs. As such, it is likely that fixed line subscriptions will continue to slowly decline with the continued growth in mobile services.
Earlier market assessments have shown that as mobile phones were introduced into the market, fixed telephone subscriptions decreased in the period 2007 - 2013 as end-users found mobile phones much more convenient to have the mobility that mobile phones provides and may be much more cheaper given the operators were offering promotional offers. In the years 2013 and 2014, however, the number of subscribers rose in this market with the increase being attributed to Digicel offering fixed services as well as promotional packages from most operators being available in the market; such as broadband offers being offered with additional landline options. The increasing popularity for wireless internet and mobile coverage will continue to drive the telecommunications/ICT market and consumers will continue to want more of an ‘all-in-one’ gadget that meets their needs. As such, it is likely that fixed line subscriptions will continue to slowly decline with the continued growth in mobile services.
Telecommunications Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator's (TRBR) analyses of the internet market shows significant changes were apparent in 2009 where competition increased as more internet service providers entered the market. Lower prices have made an internet connection available to more residents in Vila and Luganville and 2014 saw a noteworthy increase in internet service subscriptions as compared to 2013.
The increase is attributed to the landing of the submarine and operators were able to buy cable capacity at that time and improved speeds and capacity; as well a more promotions, including mobile data promotions being available in the market. Consumer awareness of online applications, internet browsing and the increased use of social media such as the YumiTokTok Stret forum have contributed to consumer interest and awareness, and the use of YouTube and Facebook to chat and connect with friends and families and to stream videos online, has also contributed to the increase in internet usage.
Please note that TRBRs statistics collection framework was also revised in 2014 to include users with mobile data enabled handsets, this has in part led to the dramatic increase in numbers as individuals with 3G enabled phones were counted even though they may not have been regular users of mobile data.
Towers – there is an increase by 10 percent in the number of towers built in 2014 compared to 2013. This is evident given that additional services were provided throughout Vanuatu, including those at the far North of Vanuatu- in the Torres Islands.
Operators continue to invest in fixed properties including buildings. This includes Wantoks new shop opened in Port Vila, the improvement of TVL’s building at the Vila central Post Office, the new building of Interchange Ltd at Mele Bay (the submarine cable landing station) and the newest flagship shop erected in Luganville, Santo, by Digicel Vanuatu.
The sector provides at least 430 active jobs registered with the Vanuatu National Provident Fund, making up 1.7 percent of the total VNPF registered employees in Vanuatu. This is an increase by 0.3 percent as compared to 2013 telecommunications employment data. Apart from the registered employment, the sector also provides additional jobs to Ni-Vanuatu citizens across the nations in the form of subcontractors, street vendors, resellers; infrastructure caretakers and other employment as well that at large contribute to the welfare of the people of Vanuatu.