The Samoan arm of the global telecommunications giant Vodafone has marked the first year of its establishment in the country.

A small ceremony was held at the Vodafone headquarters on Thursday to commemorate the occasion.

The Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Samoa, Nofoasaefa Satish Kumar, said establishing the new brand had been an unpredictable journey due to the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“The experience of these last 12 months during the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated more than ever the critical role of connectivity and technology to keeping society, businesses and governments connected,” he said. 

Nofoasaefa said that Vodafone will also update the focus of its branding to include a focus on what humans can achieve with technology. 

Vodafone Samoa revealed a new tagline - “Together We Can” - to accompany its new campaign.

The campaign will be rolled out during a year-long programme of television, print and digital advertising.

“Together We Can’ places the emphasis on ‘we’, and how collaboration between the human spirit and innovation can achieve greater things,” said Nofoasaefa.

Nofoasaefa said Vodafone fundamentally believes that technology can improve lives.

“And this new positioning builds further momentum to our purpose to connect for a better future and enable an inclusive, sustainable digital society," he said.

He noted key achievements by Vodafone over since its establishment, such as giving back to its Samoan customers through promotion. 

He said that Vodafone has supported a variety of sports including netball, cricket, volleyball, the Samoa Rugby Union, Samoa Touch Rugby, and Samoa Tag.

The Vodafone C.E.O. said that they also helped Samoa’s education sector and various non-governmental organisations such as Goshen Trust, Samoa Cancer Society and Samoa Victim Support Group.

He also mentioned that other highlights since the company's establishment include being able to be the first to provide passengers traveling between Savai’i and Upolu with free WiFi connectivity.

Vodafone so far says it has 100 4G towers around Upolu and Savai'i to expand its network coverage. 

He also said Vodafone’s new brand position was inspired by global consumer research revealing that the role of technology is profoundly transforming in people’s lives.  

Findings identified how technology has evolved from something that simply excites people to one that plays a more meaningful part in the world.  Most importantly here in Samoa, in particular, it can make a difference on issues such as societal development. 

Vodafone‘s new message will be the spark for the company deploying enhanced network connectivity to people and communities alike, with the goal of supporting education, health, sports and well-being. 

The new campaign will run in Samoa along and other countries with a Vodafone presence.