Dhiraagu has commenced providing service on its international fibre optic submarine cable with effect from today.

This is the first time the Maldives and the rest of the world has been commercially connected through a fibre optic submarine cable network. To mark this significant event a ceremony was held this morning at Nasandhura Palace Hotel.

Dhiraagu CEO, Mr Ismail Waheed, addressed the gathering and expressed Dhiraagu’s pride in being the first in the Maldives for this significant endeavour that will bring benefits to Dhiraagu customers and the nation. He also announced that, from 12 December midnight, all IDD calls to Sri Lanka will be charged at a promotional rate of Rf 3.50 per minute, until 31 January 2007.

In addition, all IDD calls to Saudi Arabia will be charged at Rf 4 per minute during this period, as a special concession during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. Mr Ismail Waheed also assured that there are more offerings to come as Dhiraagu rolls out and extends the reach of the cable internationally.

The Chief Guest for the event, Minister of Atolls Development, Hon. Mohamed Waheed Deen inaugurated the service by making a call to His Excellency President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who is currently on an overseas visit.

The inaugural phone call was followed by a call from Sri Lanka Telecom Chairman, Mr Asoka Weerasinghe de Silva, to Dhiraagu Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Shafiu. Both Chairman expressed their joy in achieving this major milestone, which has technically bridged the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and also brought the Maldives closer to the rest of the globe.

The Honourable Minister Mohamed Waheed Deen commended Dhiraagu for this gigantic achievement made in connecting Maldives to the world through an information highway that will prosper the nation’s economy and create new business opportunities. Honourable Minister also congratulated Dhiraagu staff members for the success achieved.

The Company’s vision for the new fibre-optic submarine cable network is to provide affordable world-class services to Dhiraagu customers and to thrust Maldives into the mainstream of the global information highway. Dhiraagu aims to “touch” the Maldives and its people, regardless of region, atoll or island.

The USD 27 million Dhiraagu submarine cable network is the latest in a string of successful investments by Dhiraagu, and this will certainly not be the last!