Adolfo Montenegro, the chief executive officer of Blue Sky Communications which acquired a controlling stake in SamoaTel (now renamed BlueSky Samoa) 18 months ago, says that his firm’s expansion to the country has been a positive experience, enabling the group to maintain staffing levels there despite difficult economic conditions. Although the prevailing economy continues to show signs of weakness, Mr Montenegro told Radio New Zealand International that BlueSky Samoa has increased its workforce, survived a cut in federal funding and benefited from investment of over USD6 million in its wireless networks, allowing for the launch of mobile broadband services last year.
According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, BlueSky Samoa is 75%-owned by BlueSky Communications and other investors from Samoa and American Samoa, while 25% is held by Unit Trust of Samoa (UTOS). BlueSky Communications, itself owned by eLandia Group, acquired its stake in March 2011. BlueSky Samoa is a leading operator in the country offering GSM/W-CDMA, fixed line and internet services.