Bluesky launches as mobile service operator in New Zealand

Bluesky today launched as Spark’s second prepay Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in New Zealand, with competitive prepay mobile cellular plans to serve the Samoan community in New Zealand.

Bluesky is a leading Pacific regional telecommunications operator providing mobile, broadband, TV and landline services in American Samoa, Samoa and the Cook Islands.

“This is an exciting time for Bluesky and it’s about connecting our Pacific people. We are a growing Pacific operator, and we want to be the preferred network for Pacific people globally” says Bluesky Pacific Group CEO and President, Aoe’e Adolfo Montenegro.

Bluesky has been looking for some time at how to best service the communication needs of Samoans in New Zealand. Following on from extensive research with the New Zealand Samoan community, Bluesky has developed a range of plans tailored specifically for them that include competitive rates within NZ and to Samoa. All plans are prepay, rather than contract, with customers having the option of Topping-Up online on the Bluesky website for New Zealand (www.blueskynz.co.nz) and at convenience stores.

In line with Bluesky’s deep commitment to serving local communities, it is also partnering with Samoan Churches to support their fundraising initiatives.

Toleafoa Tiafau Douglas Creevey, Director and New Zealand Country Manager for Bluesky, commented that market research confirmed the majority of New Zealand-based Samoans already recognise and relate to the Bluesky brand. And with most Samoans calling their friends and family back home at least once a month, they want a service that allows them to do this in a more affordable and convenient way.

As a Spark prepay MVNO, Bluesky customers will enjoy the reliability and coverage of Spark’s nationwide network. Bluesky will have coverage in over 97% of places where Kiwis live and work and have access to Spark’s Super fast 4G network.

Lindsay Cowley, Spark GM Product Wholesale and International has welcomed the partnership, saying it highlights Spark New Zealand’s commitment to the Pacific. “Spark New Zealand’s size and scale, our industry knowledge and our deep-rooted connections to the Pacific put us in the perfect place to help propel innovative new services like Bluesky forward. We have a tried and true prepaid MVNO platform and they have a unique new approach to service the needs of a market segment - it’s a great combination.”

To join Bluesky in New Zealand, customers’ will need a Bluesky SIM card. They will have the option of a new ‘0204’ Bluesky number or transferring over their existing local New Zealand number. Bluesky will also offer a range of affordable device options, however customers can use any unlocked mobile phone compatible with Spark’s network.

About Bluesky

Bluesky Group is a leading regional telecommunications operator providing various combinations of mobile, broadband, TV and landline services in American Samoa, Samoa, Cook Islands, and New Zealand.

Bluesky Communications was launched in American Samoa on July 10, 1999. As a mobile phone company, Bluesky subsequently grew to encompass ISP and cable TV operations. Since 2009, Bluesky Pacific Group has operated the only submarine fibre cable into American Samoa and Samoa from Hawaii.

Expanding into Samoa in March 2011, Bluesky Group purchased 75% of SamoaTel. Bluesky subsequently expanded into the Cook Islands in February 2015 through purchasing 60% of Telecom Cook Islands from Spark NZ. Bluesky Holdings NZ Limited is now part of the Bluesky Pacific Group of companies.

Since its inception, Bluesky has accomplished a number of technical achievements through a determination to enable Pacific people and businesses to access new technologies, reduce costs, empower employees and thrive as a business.

Bluesky is an active contributor to its communities in all the countries it operates in and is a major supporter of rugby throughout the region. Recent activities include being the jersey sponsor for Rugby 7s in Samoa and American Samoa as well as the exclusive Telecommunications Sponsor and Associate Sponsor for the historic Manu Samoa vs All Blacks game hosted in Apia on July 8th, 2015.

Bluesky believes in local ownership being critical to the success of its operations. 46% of Bluesky Samoa is owned by Samoan investors with profits being returned to Samoans. A similar ownership structure is in place in its Cook Islands operation with shares reserved allowing local staff and Cook Islands investors to participate in the ownership of Blueskly in the Cook Islands.

For media enquiries contact:

Nicole Crump, +64 9 215 7858 / +64 21 898 307, ncrump@blueskypacificgroup.com

Bluesky Group Expands to Cook Islands

The Bluesky Group has welcomed Telecom Cook Islands as its newest operation.On 23 February, 2015 Bluesky’s Cook Islands subsidiary, Teleraro Ltd, completed the purchase of a 60% interest in Telecom Cook Islands from Spark New Zealand. The Cook Islands Government maintains its 40% ownership in Telecom Cook Islands. Teleraro’s ownership structure also includes participation for Cook Islands investors and Telecom Cook Islands employees.

Telecom Cook Islands Limited is a leading telecommunications services company in the South Pacific providing fixed telephony, mobile telephony and Internet services for the population of the Cook Islands.

“We are delighted to have completed this important expansionfor the Bluesky group, which is in line with our regional growth strategy and further strengthens our capability to deliver world class telecommunications services to our Pacific island markets through local partnerships.It is a significant milestone for us, as Bluesky expands its operations to cover threePacific Island territories. With the addition of Telecom Cook Islands to the Bluesky group, we expand our collaboration with our Samoan investment partners and welcome our new Cook Islands partners. ”said Bluesky Group CEO, Adolfo Montenegro.

The 60% stake in Telecom Cook Islands was purchased for approximately NZD$23 million with financing provided by a regional bank.

“We are pleased to have Telecom Cook Islands team join our Bluesky family. As we integrate the operations, we look forward to building upon the delivery of outstanding customer service and high quality telecommunications solutions to the people of the Cook Islands, in line with our vision of being #1 at connecting Pacific people.” said Mr Montenegro.

About Bluesky

Bluesky Communications was established in American Samoa in 1999 and expanded its operations to Samoa in 2011 with a sucessful bid in the privatization of SamoaTel. Bluesky acquired Pacific Island Cable in 2009 and is the sole provider of cable television services to Samoa and American Samoa through Moana TV. Bluesky’s affiliate company, American Samoa Hawaii Cable LLC, brought submarine optic fibre cable connectivity to the Samoan islands in 2009. Bluesky’s commitment to quality, coverage and service has made it a technology driver and leader in Samoa and American Samoa. Bluesky was acquired by eLandia Group in 2006 and now forms part of Amper Group.

Contact Bluesky or Bluesky Samoa

Filifotu Vaai +685-755-1089/ 684-258-1089 marketing@blueskysamoa.com marketing@bluesky.as

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