5 May 2011
Dhiraagu, Cable & Wireless Communications’ (CWC) business in the Maldives, has
commissioned a new submarine fibre optic cable network system which will run north to south
across the 90,000 square kilometre country.
The Dhiraagu Domestic Submarine Cable Network (DDSCN) will provide high speed internet
access across the country’s 200 inhabited islands, increasing the number of households which
can access broadband. It will also help Dhiraagu to provide social telecom services (telecoms
enabled public services) like e-health, telemedicine and e-government services.
The 1,017 km length fibre optic submarine cable will be installed by the NEC Corporation. It is
expected to be operational by mid-2012.
Tony Rice, the Chief Executive of Cable & Wireless Communications, commented:
“Dhiraagu is investing to enable consumers in all islands of the Maldives to enjoy high speed
internet and modern telecommunication facilities. This, in turn, will provide opportunities for the
development of the Maldives economy and will enable more public services to be provided
online.”
CWC provides submarine capacity to over 60 countries across the globe.
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About the Maldives
The Maldives has a population of approximately 390,000 people. Its economy is principally
driven by high-end tourism, with more than 100 resorts, each of which occupies its own island.
The development of its tourist industry has buoyed The Maldives economy which has achieved
an estimated average GDP growth rate of 6% during the 2000-2010 period.
About Cable & Wireless Communications
Cable & Wireless Communications is a global full-service communications business. We operate
leading communications businesses through four regional units – the Caribbean, Panama,
Macau and Monaco & Islands. Our services include mobile, broadband and domestic and
international fixed line services in most of our markets as well as pay-TV, data centre and
hosting, carrier and managed service solutions. Our operations are focused on providing our
customers – consumers, businesses, governments – with world-class service. We are the
market leader in most products we offer and territories we serve. For more information visit
www.cwc.com
.
Contacts:
Lachlan Johnston +44(0) 20 7315 4006 / +44 (0) 7800 021 405
Steve Smith +44(0) 20 7315 4070
Investors
Sheldon Bruha +44(0) 20 7315 4178
Kunal Patel
Maitland
Neil Bennett/Anthony Silverman
+44(0) 20 7315 4083
+44(0) 207 379 5151
Cable & Wireless Communications
Media
CWC TO CREATE NEW FIBRE OPTIC CABLE SYSTEM IN
MALDIVES
