News

Deo appointed BeMobile acting CEO

August 14, 2013 5:46 am

Former Vodafone Fiji chief technology officer, Raj Deo has been appointed acting chief executive of Bemobile – Papua New Guinea’s mobile telecommunications company.

Deo’s appointment was announced by Bemobile Limited chairman, Syd Yates this week.
Deo started at his new role on Monday and he is entering at a time when the company is negotiating with Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC) to increase IPBC’s shareholding in Bemobile.
According to Yates, they hope to increase PNG’s investment in and control of this important company.

He said with the assistance of IPBC, Bemobile has entered into interim arrangements with its current network equipment supplier to stabilize Bemobile’s network providing a better and more efficient service to the public.

Yates said additional Investment decisions designed to further improve Bemobile’s network will be made available with the next few weeks.

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He said Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) has withdrawn from its proposed investment in BeMobile and as a result Vodafone Fiji will not be contracted to provide management services.

Yates said Bemobile’s shareholders remain committed to growing the company’s business to providing its customers with the best and most efficient mobile network in PNG.
Last week FNPF Chairman Ajith Kodagoda said the Bemobile share subscription agreement was not completed.

Kodagoda said certain conditions critical to the achievement of the business plan projections were not met.

He added that as custodians of members’ funds, the Board is mindful of its fiduciary duties to protect and grow members’ savings and will always act in their best interest at all times.

He added that the Fund remains positive that parties involved will explore all alternative structures going forward.

Bemobile holds telecommunications licences in PNG and the Solomon Islands.