Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation with a population of approximately 320,000, is composed of 83 islands, many of which are volcanic in origin, creating a challenging geography for the implementation of energy and telecommunications infrastructure. The population is predominantly rural with only around a quarter residing in urban areas, further complicating the provision of widespread, high-quality internet and telecommunication services. Solutions such as the Interchange Cable Network 2 (ICN2), a submarine cable landing in Port Vila, have been initiated to improve connectivity. Despite these efforts, the telecommunications sector in Vanuatu remains somewhat underdeveloped, with about 40% of the population having access to the internet. Renewable energy sources are similarly underutilised, though the potential for solar and wind energy exists given the country's geographical characteristics. The technology sector is progressively evolving, but is still considered to be in its early stages.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 3 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Vodafone Vanuatu is a subsidiary of Vodafone Group plc, a British multinational telecommunications company. The parent company, Vodafone Group, was founded in 1980 as a venture between Racal Electronics and Millicom under the brand name Racal-Vodafone (Holdings) Ltd. It was later demerged from Racal Electronics in 1991 and became an independent entity known as Vodafone Group. The company's largest single shareholder is Etisalat by e&, which owns 14% of Vodafone's shares and has indicated an interest in increasing its stake to 20%.
Vodafone expanded its operations to various countries...
WanTok is a telecommunications company that operates in Vanuatu, providing services to both businesses and individuals. Founded in 2008, the company is currently owned by WanTok Pacific, a corporation with a focus on delivering telecommunications services across the Pacific region. WanTok's establishment marked a significant milestone in the development of Vanuatu's telecommunications landscape, with the company playing a key role in enhancing the accessibility and quality of telecommunications services within the country.