Ooredoo Maldives has never been a company content with the ordinary. Since its inception in 2005, it has pursued a path of innovation that transcends the typical confines of telecommunications, crafting an identity that is as much about the future as it is about connectivity. With a 5G network now reaching 60% of the nation, Ooredoo Maldives is more than just a service provider; it is a force for digital transformation in a country known more for its atolls and azure waters than for its technological prowess.
The story of Ooredoo Maldives is one of constant evolution, of a company that has repeatedly reinvented itself to stay ahead of the curve. Take, for instance, the Ooredoo SuperApp—a digital innovation that one might expect from the heart of a tech hub, yet it was born from the unique needs of an island nation. Launched in 2019, this SuperApp integrated telecom services, financial platforms, and an e-commerce marketplace into a seamless digital ecosystem. It was a bold move, one that signaled Ooredoo’s intent not just to lead the market but to redefine it. The app, with its elegant interface and multifaceted functionality, quickly became a staple for over 160,000 active monthly users, a testament to the company’s keen understanding of the Maldivian consumer’s needs.
Yet, the SuperApp is merely one chapter in Ooredoo’s narrative of innovation. The company’s journey through the various technological epochs—3G, 4G LTE, and most recently, 5G—reflects its steady commitment to growth. Ooredoo’s aspirations, however, go beyond just laying down faster networks. There’s an unmistakable desire to shape the very nature of digital engagement in the Maldives. This is perhaps most evident in the company’s foray into digital financial services. The introduction of m-Faisaa, the first mobile money platform in the Maldives, wasn’t merely about providing a service—it was about altering the way people interacted with money. In a country where traditional banking is often out of reach for many due to its geography, m-Faisaa became a lifeline, offering secure and accessible financial transactions that empowered both individuals and businesses.
Ooredoo’s commitment to innovation, however, is not confined to the digital realm. The company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was a strong demonstration of its commitment to social responsibility. In a time of crisis, Ooredoo Maldives didn’t just maintain its services—it expanded them. From providing free data and connectivity to frontline workers to facilitating remote education through partnerships with Google, the company’s efforts went beyond business; they were about community. These initiatives, coupled with flexible billing for financially impacted customers, illustrated Ooredoo’s role as a custodian of not just technology, but of the people it serves.
Ooredoo’s commitment to innovation is also reflected in its strategic partnerships and infrastructure projects. The landing of the PEACE cable in Kulhudhuffushi City, while technically complex, represents an important step in enhancing the Maldives’ global connectivity. This isn’t just about faster internet; it’s about positioning the Maldives as a hub in the global digital economy. The PEACE cable, once operational, will connect the northern Maldives directly to Singapore and Europe, creating opportunities that extend far beyond the shores of the atolls.
In addition to the PEACE cable, August 2024 marked the launch of Ooredoo’s new tier-3 data centre in Kulhudhuffushi, complementing its existing facility in the smart city of Hulhumale’. This off-site data centre is a fortress of connectivity, offering unparalleled security and support for IT operations. Together, these data centres are not just infrastructure; they are enablers, supporting businesses from the government to hospitality in their digital transitions.
Ooredoo Maldives, in its pursuit of innovation, has become more than a telecommunications company—it has become a symbol of what is possible when ambition meets technology. In a country known for its natural beauty, Ooredoo has carved out a space for itself as a pioneer, a company that looks at the horizon and sees not just the ocean, but a future filled with possibility. As the Maldives continues to evolve, Ooredoo’s role as a catalyst for that evolution seems not only assured but integral. The story of Ooredoo Maldives is far from over; in fact, it feels like it’s just beginning.
