Wednesday 14^th January, 2009 Nadi , Fiji : Digicel, the fastest growing mobile company in the Pacific, has pledged over US$285,000 to support the relief effort following the severe flooding to alleviate hardship in the western region.

Digicel’s US$285,000 contribution will go towards the relief efforts undertaken by aid organisations such as the Fiji Red Cross and DISMAC (Disaster Management Centre), as well as  with the direct supply of essential food supplies and provisions to the worst affected areas. In addition, Digicel is offering free credit to the value of US$2.5 million to all customers to help them keep in touch with their family and friends during this time. Digicel is also donating 1,000 phones and free credit to the evacuation centres in the Western region.

Digicel Fiji CEO, John Delves said: “We are working with the Government to alleviate the hardship of many in the Western region. Our responsibility is to help all the victims of the severe flooding.  Above and beyond our role in keeping friends and family connected, we are committed to helping people get back on their feet.  Digicel stands ready to assist in whatever way we can help in the rebuilding efforts over the coming weeks.’’

Since last Friday Digicel staff has been providing relief aid on a daily basis to evacuation centres around the Nadi area. Digicel staff will continue to work with the local police and evacuation centre co-ordinators to provide support over the coming weeks.

As well as making donations to the aid agencies and evacuation centres with the supply of direct aid and medical supplies, Digicel staff has also committed themselves to the clean up operations to take place across the country in the upcoming weeks.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said, ‘’The Government of Fiji is deeply appreciative of Digicel’s donation. This is a very difficult time for Fijians and we thank Digicel for all their support. We are confident that the combined relief efforts throughout the country will help those who are affected to get back on their feet as soon as possible’’.

Furthermore Digicel will be providing other mobile communication services to assist the government in providing information to the public. These services will include delivering government text updates on relief efforts and public information services. Digicel will also be working with the Fijian Metrological Department to provide cyclone and flooding warnings to Digicel customers. Digicel will provide the government with a toll free number which will enable the public to access information about amenities and health and safety during this period.

In addition to this, from next week Digicel customers will be able to pledge their support through text donations of $1 to the Red Cross. Digicel will continue to provide support until affected areas have been re-built.

For more information on Digicel Fiji , please visit www.digicelfiji.com or call 123 from a mobile phone or 0800 672 3444 from a landline to speak to our dedicated customer care team.

ENDS

ABOUT DIGICEL PACIFIC

Since its launch in the South Pacific in November 2006, Digicel has become the fastest-growing mobile operator in the Pacific, with current operations in Samoa , Tonga , Vanuatu , Papua New Guinea and Fiji .

Digicel is the largest telecommunications company in the Caribbean and Pacific, and operates in 31 markets worldwide. Digicel recently launched new operations in three countries in Central America . The company is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, and superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services, and state-of-the-art handsets.

Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams across the South Pacific including; Fiji Rugby, Digicel Fiji 7’s, Digicel Tonga Ikale Tahi 7s and 15s, Manu Samoa, Digicel Vanuatu 7’s and 15’s and the Digicel PNG Pukpuks. Digicel is also the proud sponsor of the Vanuatu Cricket team. For more information, please visit http://www.digicelpacific.com/ or http://www.digicelfiji.com/