The people of Aitape District hold another jubilent celebration for the launching of the first mobile phone network connection in Sandaun Province.

A big celebration was held for the official launching of the first mobile network connection in the province.

To the people of the province, and more importantly the district, it was another milestone achievement by the local Member for Aitape-Lumi electorate and Minister for Forest, Patrick Pruaitch.

Being the first area in the country to receive this newly established mobile service through Pacific Mobile systems known as the Community Service Obligation (CSO) program, the people of Aitape-Lumi District were overwhelmed.

According to the Director for Telikom PNG, Albert Veratau, it was through the joint efforts of Mr. Pruaitch and Telikom PNG that Aitape was able to get this new development in place.

Under this new mobile service CSO, which was set up mainly to assist non-commercially viable areas within the country like Aitape and especially other remote regions to have this kind of telecommunication system in place.

The Member for Aitape-Lumi, Mr. Pruaitch had also contributed K150, 000 towards the setting up of the mobile system.

Mr. Veratau also mentioned that other places enlisted to receive the CSO mobile service are Kavieng, Lorengau, Vanimo, Daru, Kiunga, Kerema and Mendi.

Mr. Veratau said that the current population of mobile users within the country is 95, 000 and with Aitape establishing a new network, the number will increase.

He also expressed his gratitude towards Mr. Pruaitch and other provincial dignitaries for participating in the launching and making it a historical moment for Telikom PNG, Pacific Mobile and Aitape-Lumi District.

The Prime Minister, Sir Micheal Somare also remarked in his keynote address that development doesn't come easy, it is only through hard work in order to achieve good development and governance for their district.

Among those who attended were the Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, Member for Aitape-Lumi, Minister for Forest and Acting Minister for Finance and Planning, Patrick Pruaitch, Sandaun Governor, Carlos Yuni, Director for PNG Telikom, Albert Veratau, Cooperate Secretary for Pacific Mobile & Equipment, Chris Viruri, Provincial Administrator, Joe Sungi and many other distinguished people.

Also during the launching ceremony there were presentations of four free mobiles and their start-up kits given as gifts from Pacific Mobile to St. Ignatius Secondary School, Aitape Provincial High School, Raihu District Hospital and Diocese of Aitape.

In turn a presentation of traditional gifts of shells and clay-pots including several pigs were given to various guests.