President Salva Kiir launches first South Sudanese-owned mobile operator after 10 years of independence.

President Salva Kiir launches first South Sudanese-owned mobile operator after 10 years of independence.

The Digitel Network was launched by President Salva Kiir Mayardit this morning in a ceremony attended by other senior government officials including the minister of information Michael Makuei Lueth.

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has this morning inaugurated the first South Sudan state-owned mobile operator bringing the number of mobile operators in the world’s youngest country to three.

The Digitel Network was launched by the president this morning in a ceremony attended by other senior government officials including the minister of information Michael Makuei Lueth, and the presidential security advisor Tutkew Gatluak.

Speaking during the launch, Kiir who is visibly happy reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing mobile services to the people in remote areas and to enhance internet access to the country’s citizens.

“The installation of mobile service infrastructure is an ongoing process. Recently people in Maper, Rumbek North County and Pochalla in Greater Pibor Administrative Area have been connected to mobile network,” he said.

“I have been informed that in three weeks’ time, Boma in Greater Pibor Administrative area and Kuron Peace Village in Kapoeta East County will also be connected to mobile network,” he added.

The South Sudanese head of state further added that “to demonstrate seriousness in the desire to connect rural communities to mobile network, the government will explore options, including tax exemption that will benefit importation of network equipment and other telecommunications tools.”

“This equipment will help increase digital literacy programs to the next generation for Information and communication technology, ICT driven economy. The tax exemption I am proposing will be done in collaboration with national revenue authority to ensure modalities for tax exemption are consistent with its mandate.”