Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) has signed new long-term operating licences with the Government of St. Helena which will lead to the expansion of telecoms services, including the island’s first mobile network.

Cable & Wireless St. Helena has signed new 10 year operating agreements for the provision of telecoms and television services.

Under the new agreement Cable & Wireless St. Helena will roll-out a mobile network in 2014, a year before St. Helena’s first airport becomes operational, which is expected to lead to the development of a tourism industry on the island.

CWC will also upgrade the island’s broadband network, and has committed to double the speed of its broadband service by 2013, and increase the number of television channels available on St. Helena from three to 15.

Customers will also benefit as broadband and international fixed line call prices are reduced over the lifetime of the agreement.

Hensil O’Bey, the Chief Executive for Cable & Wireless St Helena said:

“We are investing in new telecoms infrastructure, while reducing the cost of tariffs, because we now have the certainty of extended licences and believe that the island’s economy will receive a strong boost from the opening of an airport on St. Helena in 2015. This reflects our commitment to improving the experience for our customers.”

Cable & Wireless St. Helena, a branch of Cable & Wireless South Atlantic Limited, is the sole provider of telecoms on St. Helena, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom in the South Atlantic Ocean with a population of around 4,000. The company provides fixed line, broadband and television services.