Interchange partnership approach pays of for island nation

Telecom's subsea fiber-optic cable will turn Vanuatu into Pacific e-business center

The mission to further connect Vanuatu to the world of cheap, high-speed Internet access is now almost complete, with the 2014 launch of the $30 million "ICN1", Vanuatu's first international submarine cable system linking the capital Port Vila to Suva Fiji.

The cable also links into the high capacity Southern Cross cable between the United States, Australia and New Zealand; plus work has also commenced on a second cable, called "ICN2", linking Vanuatu to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The second cable enhances the country's offering as an information and communication technology (ICT) hub by diversifying cable routes.

The well-designed ICN1 cable withstood Cyclone Pam without experiencing any service interruptions, keeping Vanuatu's international telecommunications link up and running for the duration of the disaster - a credit to both its designers and builders, and to Interchange, which operates the telecommunications facility.

"Our founding vision was to equip Melanesia with the IT infrastructure required to ensure its integration with the modern world," said Simon Fletcher, CEO of Interchange. "Now we are building upon that initial investment by working to turn Vanuatu into an attractive e-business hub for the entire region. It's a logical progression, especially given all of the advantages Vanuatu has to offer."

The centerpiece of Vanuatu's infrastructure effort is the country's new Technology Park, which offers a wealth of opportunities for ICT operators in areas such as data storage, customer relations and e-activities. "Right now we want all ICT businesses throughout Asia Pacific to know we are officially open for e-business," says Fletcher. "Especially those in China, now the preeminent economy in the region."

Vanuatu's Technology Park is the result of a partnership approach by Interchange and the government of Vanuatu.

Designed for foreign companies throughout the region, it offers wideranging benefits and advantages for any company keen to invest there.

Fletcher said "the cost of a 'pod' that will house a data center is around $250,000, and for this you can have a prefabricated unit that can be operationally ready in three months from time of order. It includes cooling towers, gen-sets, transformers for power throughout the park where the data centers are located, a call center and credit card processing facility."

"The Technology Park provides the perfect environment for international e-commerce operators," says Fletcher, "and this opportunity is considerably enhanced by a pro-investment government, a stable economy, a strategic location close to multiple major markets, and a favorable taxation and investment structure designed for business."

"The development is geared to attract foreign investment, with 20 hectares for exclusive use by local and foreign data center operators. It's a convenient location where ICT firms can invest and develop their technology while benefiting from low costs and high returns, plus a low tax base."

One other advantage Fletcher is keen to point out is the fact that Interchange and its highly skilled workforce is also there in Vanuatu to assist in any way they can by providing a direct link between government and regulatory agencies, helping them understand the local and regional environment and also helping make the right contacts and the right decisions.

"If you're a Chinese investor," said Fletcher, "then we really do speak your language in so many ways. For a start we can provide you with direct access to relevant government officials if required, plus we understand technology and the ICT business. We're here on the ground to help you every single step of the way."

Interchange, in tandem with the government, is keen to assist anyone looking to do e-business in Vanuatu by ofering a wide range of opportunities and partnership ventures and direct access to ICN1 at very reasonable rates.

For more information, contact Simon Fletcher, CEO of Interchange.

E-mail: enquiries@interchange.vu

Phone: + 678 299 84

Mail: PO Box 1000, Port Vila, Vanuatu

InFocus provided this story

(China Daily 06/15/2015 page10)