Timor Telecom has topped 300,000 mobile customers. Since the beginning of the year the company has doubled its customer base, in a country with high growth levels in mobile use. In terms of telecommunications, the goal is to attain 600,000 customers and cover 60% of the population, improve network coverage and quality of service, enhance broadband internet and launch 3G services.
Timor Telecom has attained 300,000 customers in less than a year, which means a coverage of circa 30% of the population. As the result of the work and effort of all managers and remaining employees of Timor Telecom, this number represents the fulfilment of a goal proposed and the importance that this PT subsidiary has for the development of the country.
The operator’s strategy is to keep betting on the development of telecommunications in East Timor so as to make this country a regional reference in this area. The company is committed to improving national coverage and quality of service. The improvement of the broadband internet service and the creation of community internet centres throughout the country so as to multiply the current penetration tenfold – introducing 3G services (currently being tested) –, the introduction of a new brand with a renewed image are also part of the company’s goals.
These 300,000 customers represent Timor Telecom’s commitment to taking communications to the remotest points of East Timor by creating conditions for the development of the areas that show more difficulties, thus contributing to letting each time less people isolated.
The fact that these rural areas can be reached, means that people gain access to a means of communication with their relatives in other communities or support for their small businesses. This contributes to making them sign up massively for the campaigns and promotions of pay-as-you-go and pay-monthly mobile services of Timor Telecom.
PT’s bet on Timor
PT’s investment in Timor Telecom is part of an international strategy in partnership with local institutions. As the result of a new strategic plan announced in September 2009, the reinforcement of East Timor’s telecommunications infrastructure will be ensured by extending fixed and mobile coverage, namely the expansion of 3G coverage to every urban centre, by consolidating the distribution strategy and retail outlet network or building a submarine cable to connect East Timor to the international data network.
The new strategy also includes massified Internet access by launching Community Information Centres, providing the Timorese, especially the children, with access to the Information Technologies. Timor Telecom will thus have a decisive contribution to the development of the Information Society in East Timor.
The company is also planning the launch of several initiatives to facilitate access of a larger number of Timorese to telecommunications services.