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NTT DoCoMo ‘bullish’ on CNMI, Guam markets
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Posted on Nov 15 2006
Japan’s NTT DoCoMo Inc. has high hopes with its purchase of telecommunication firms in Guam and the CNMI, describing the new investment a “win-win” situation for the company and island governments.
Toshinari Kunieda, managing director of NTT DoCoMo’s Global Business Department, said the world’s leading mobile communications company has had a positive experience working with the governments of both the CNMI and Guam.
“We entered into this transaction because we are bullish on the future economic development of the islands. And we believe that the deployment of an advanced telecommunications network will help attract new businesses and investment to the islands,” Kunieda said in a Nov. 6, 2006 letter to David B. Cohen, deputy assistant Interior secretary for insular affairs.
“In short, we see a true ‘win-win’ situation: Guam and CNMI presented us with an attractive opportunity to invest. In return, we believe that our investment will lead to further economic growth,” he added.
Kunieda wrote the letter in light of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Conference on Business Opportunities in the Islands, held in Honolulu, Hawaii on Nov. 13-14, 2006.
He also said that government representatives of both Guam and the Commonwealth have been supportive of NTT DoCoMo’s investment.
“These pro-business leaders understand how to attract and encourage new investment for the benefit of the islands’ industries and residents,” Kunieda said.
NTT DoCoMo struck a deal to acquire Guam Cellular and Paging Inc. and Guam Wireless Telephone Co. LLC. in March 2006.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Washington Rep. Pedro A. Tenorio separately wrote the Federal Communications Commission to express their support of the merger.
“We strongly welcome NTT DoCoMo’s investment in our market and expect that our citizens will benefit from their financial strength, technological expertise, and innovation,” Fitial said.
The Federal Communications Commission approved the $71.8-million purchase of Hafatel, SaipanCell, and GuamCell on Monday.
NTT DoCoMo provides advanced voice and data services to over 52 million customers in Japan.
