22 Jun 2009

Deal between Solomon Telekom and the government close

11:31 am on 22 June 2009

The negotiations between Solomon Telekom and national government is close to being signed by the two parties.

The negotiations which began last year are to finally cancel the 50 year exclusive license held by Solomon Telekom.

A team of senior government officials from the Attorney General's office met again last week with the Solomon Telekom team which is being represented by a overseas lawyer.

Senior government officials say the agreement is expected to be signed before the end of June.

The Solomon Islands Government is wanting to cancel the exclusive license to open up the market for other companies like Digicel.

The move to cancel the exclusive license was triggered by the last Sogavare led government that complained about the high communication costs to ordinary Solomon Islanders.

Solomon Telekom is owned by the National Provident Fund, Cable and Wireless and the Solomon Islands Government.