Steady growth in recent years has attracted international investment, including the Qatar-based Ooredoo Group. The vibrant tourist sector helps to account for the unusually high mobile penetration rate, though multiple SIM card use is also widely adopted. In, addition a large number of expatriate workers require SIM cards on a semi-temporary basis
The two licensed operators, Dhivehi Raajjeyge Gulhun (Dhiraagu) and Ooredoo Maldives, have both invested in HSPA and LTE infrastructure, providing national coverage with the former and expecting to provide coverage with the latter to all populated islands by the end of 2017. This development has encouraged the take-up of mobile broadband services among subscribers. Both operators also provide fixed-line services.
The country has given priority to telecom infrastructure upgrades, with considerable success. There is a well-developed national network, though investment has been concentrated in the capital Malé as well as in the tourist resort islands. The submarine cable connection to Sri Lanka improved international bandwidth and helped reduce access pricing for end-users. A second submarine cable linked the archipelago to India in 2006. Additional cables linking the main atolls has substantially strengthened domestic connectivity.
This was augmented by a new inter-island National Submarine Cable network contracted by Ooredoo Maldives: the 1,200km nationwide system, which came into service at the end of 2016, supports traffic demand arising from increased use of mobile broadband and fibre. In 2016 international internet bandwidth increased 37%.
Key developments:
Ooredoo launches Faseyha Home Broadband’ service nationally via its LTE network; Dhiraagu completes upgrade of the fixed broadband network in Malé; Ooredoo and Huawei Marine complete nationwide submarine cable project; mobile penetration passes 250%; Ooredoo Maldives completes IPO; both mobile operators extend national LTE coverage; report update includes the regulator’s market data to August 2016, operator data to Q2 2017, recent market developments.
Companies mentioned in this report:
Dhiraagu, Wataniya, Ooredoo Maldives, Focus Infocom, Thuraya, Cable & Wireless Communications.
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