By Lance Polu
APIA: 18 Feb 2010: Samoatel today presented a dividend payment of SAT$1,727,646 to the Samoan Government.
Reverend Iutisone paid tribute to the Management and Staff for their determination and hard work and have continued to deliver better services for the people of Samoa.
"In addition to the hard work and determination of the Staff and Management, this dividend payment is presented to the Government of Samoa largely through the continuous support of our customers and the people of Samoa," he said.
Minister Safuneitu'uga congratulated the team at Samoatel for their efforts and performance that has generated the dividend in and extremely competitive market and also thanked the Samoan people who have chosen to support Samoa's own telecommunications provider.
"2009 was a landmark year for telecommunications in Samoa with the launch of the ASH Cable providing world class and high speed internet services for our country and also provided signicant terms for regulatory changes for the industry in Samoa," she said.
Samoatel is a 100% Samoa owned corporation established under the Telecommunications Services Act 1999. Since inception, Samoatel has grown to include GSM mobile (GoMobile), broadband and internet services to its many services for the people of Samoa.
Samotel offers total telecommunications solutions offering innovative products for the home and individual customers as well as customized solutions to corporate clients through the use of fibre optic, PTSN and wireless networks.
To date, Samoatel employs 260 staff.
Samotel's contribution to community development ranges from sponsorship of major sporting teams (Toa Samoa) and recently announced Samoatel All Stars Academy, cultural festivals (Teuila and Miss Samoa Pageant), community development (Fa'ataua Le Ola and WIBI) and communications access to remote communities.