The official ceremony to mark the extension of Dhiraagu Wireless Zones to additional 27 islands took place this morning at Nasandhuraa Palace Hotel.

The ceremony commenced with a presentation by Dhiraagu Marketing Manager - Fixed & Broadband, Ahmed Maumoon, highlighting on the rollout of the Wireless Zone service and how to use this convenient high speed WiFi Internet service.

The presentation was followed by remarks from Dhiraagu Chief Executive, Mr Ismail Rasheed. In his remarks he stated that Dhiraagu received the approval to use WiFi technology on 2.4G ISM band from Telecommunications Authority of Maldives during August 2006 and since then Dhiraagu has established wireless Internet services in 42 islands during this short period.

He also highlighted that with this new development Dhiraagu now provides broadband Internet service to 54 inhabited islands enabling 70% of the Maldivian population to have access to Dhiraagu Broadband Internet Service. Mr Rasheed also stated that his vision is to provide broadband Internet service to all inhabited islands enabling the people in Maldives to have easy access to the Internet.

The chief guest for the event was Hon. Minister of Education, Ms Zahiya Zareer. Hon. Minister highlighted the important role that Dhiraagu is playing in developing telecommunication sector in the Maldives and stated that the success of this industry in Maldives is mainly due to Dhiraagu’s contribution.

Hon. Minister thanked Dhiraagu management and staff for bringing such key developments in the area of mobile and Internet service in the Maldives.

The 27 islands to which Dhiraagu extended its Wireless Zone services are; Laamu Gan, Gaafu Dhaalu Gadhdhoo, Kaafu Maafushi, Alif Dhaalu Maamigili, Baa Thulhaadhoo, Shaviyani Komandoo, Thaa Guraidhoo, Noonu Holhudhoo, Kaafu Kaashidhoo, Noonu Velidhoo, Laamu Maavah, Haa Dhaalu Nolhivaramu, Kaafu Guraidhoo, Shaviyani Milandhoo, Alif Alif Thoddoo, Lhaviyani Hinnavaru, Thaa Thimarafushi, Kaafu Himmafushi, Lhaviyani Kurendhoo, Haa Alifu Hoarafushi, Gaafu Alif Kolamaafushi, Raa Alifushi, Haa Alif Ihavandhoo, Raa Hulhudhuffaaru, Laamu Isdhoo, Raa Meedhoo and Raa Maduvvari.

Educational programs will be held in all islands with newly instated wireless zones to teach the island population on how to use the wireless broadband service and increase the general awareness amongst the public.

Dhiraagu wireless zone service is an easy prepaid internet service that allows customers to access high speed broadband internet at any Dhiraagu Wireless Zone using either a scratch card or via SMS from their Dhiraagu mobile. Anyone with an IEEE 802.11 b/g WiFi enabled device can use this service at their own convenience with no monthly charges.

Dhiraagu received authorization for the provision of Wireless Broadband Internet Service on the 1st August 2006, and since then, the Wireless Zone rollout project has been developing expeditiously.

The initial phase of providing Wireless Internet Service to all atoll capitals in the country was completed on 1st February 2007. Now, the second phase of the project has also been completed within the promised six months period. For the next phase of the project, Dhiraagu plans to provide internet service to all islands with a population exceeding 900 people.


Media contact for more information
Mohamed Mirshan Hassan
Manager Marketing Communications and Public Relations
Phone: 3311336