Digitel Holding Limited, a South Sudanese mobile network operator, on Wednesday officially launched services in the Eastern Equatoria State capital, Torit, after installing equipment on towers formally owned by Gemtel and Vivacel, two telecommunication companies that ceased operations.
Hundreds of residents attended the event and said the entrance of another service provider will ease and improve telephone communication and related services like internet access.
Athian James, the Digitel representative, said the company is owned by South Sudanese and provides quality services.
“Digitel is a national company owned by South Sudanese. I can assure you this is an example of a South Sudanese-led company and it is here to grow. We have extended our services to different states and Torit is the sixth,” he said. “We have not experienced the hospitality and welcome that we received from the state government and other authorities in Torit elsewhere. We are so happy and we are here to grow.”
Athian said they delayed setting up in Torit because they wanted to offer quality services in Torit and in Eastern Equatoria State.
“In other states, we use microwaves and satellites but we said Eastern Equatoria State is a historical state, especially Torit Town, so, we need to have the best services and quality network and we have extended our network to Torit using a fiber network and this is a great achievement,” he added.
Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication Elia John Ahaji who graced the occasion said Digitel’s launch in Torit was a milestone in the state.
“We recognize the pivotal role of bridging the digital divide, fostering technological advancement, and your (Digitel) dedication to empowering our citizens through accessible services and supporting ICT integration in education as a vision of a more connected and informed society,” he lauded Digitel. “As you all know, the Government of South Sudan is going to integrate ICT into our education and nobody is going to escape it, it is not going to be optional, since digital literacy is no longer an option but it has become a must.”
“I am very happy today because Digitel is being launched so that we can communicate with people everywhere, even in America and Australia,” Hellen Aurelio, a happy Digitel client told Radio Tamazuj. “One can buy a SIM card to get reliable services, however, when you use Digitel to call other networks, it costs a lot of money.”
Another subscriber, Peter Kuon Gai, said Digitel’s coming to the market is a welcome development.
“People are very happy because digital has been brought to Torit and this is a very good development,” he stated.
For his part, Torit County Commissioner Christopher Andrew expressed optimism about the company’s operations in the state and urged them to employ local youth.
“Let me register my sincere thanks to the administration of Digitel for coming to the historical county of Torit in South Sudan. I welcome you as the commissioner because we have been waiting for you for a long time,” he stated. “When we have more companies, there will be competition in the market and it will also help us in communication because as head of security in the county, security relies on communication. I urge the Digitel to extend services to the 9 counties of the state.”