Telecom Services Kiribati Ltd.

cancelled

Telecom Services Kiribati Ltd. (TSKL) was established in 1990 as a Joint Venture between the Government of Kiribati (51%) and OTCI (Overseas Telecommunications Commission International) (later known as Telstra) of Australia (49%) to provide all telecommunication services for the republic of Kiribati. The international services were provided by satellite using Intelsat 174E and VHF and HF radio serve all Outer Islands except Kiritimati Island, which was served via satellite. Outer Island communications were expected to be upgraded with satellite, microwave and WLL systems in 1999-2000. TSKL had an Alcatel E10B Switch on Tarawa and Kiritimati Island, and services were distributed via buried cable. The company had a mobile unit, FrigateNet, available on South Tarawa only. Although the joint venture had exclusive rights until 2005, Telstra sold its 49% stake in TSKL back to the government in May 2001. The company reportedly had been profitable in urban areas and claimed to have significantly improved the quality of service, billing operations, and default rates. However, Telstra and the government were unable to find suitable options regarding improvements to outer island service that could be justified on an economic basis. Telstra, therefore, decided to exit the project early due to economic considerations. As of 2005, the Government of Kiribati continued to operate TSKL.