Solomons opens up telecommunications industry
Updated
The Solomon Islands government says it's opening up the country's telecommunications industry to competition in a bid to reduce the high cost of mobile phone and other services.
The prime minister, Derek Sikua, says he's ending the 15-year monopoly held by Solomon Telekom to allow new operators to invest in the country.
He says the state-owned carrier's exclusive licence will not be renewed when it expires later this year.
Britain's Cable & Wireless has a one third stake in the joint venture.
