FSMTC News
Mobile Data Services
 |
Cellphones aren't just for calling
anymore! With your web-enabled handset, you can surf the
internet, download content for your phone, check email,
do instant messaging (e.g. MSN, Google Chat) and more!
Call FSM Telecom for assistance on setting up
your phone to access GPRS or EDGE! Only Ten cents per
megabyte of data sent or received. |
Prepaid Internet
 |
Prepaid Wifi and Prepaid Internet Dialup!
Simply buy a FSM Prepaid Telcard and log on!
|
SOLAR CHARGERS
 |
This pocket-sized solar charger works on
more than 40 kinds of mobile phones(Nokia,
Sony-Ericsson, Siemens, Motorola, Samsung etc)! Turns
FREE sunlight into electricity to support your mobile
phone! Only $20! |
TARIFF CHANGES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
The Board of Directors and Management for the FSM Telecommunications Corporation wishes to inform the general public and its valuable customers that the tariff changes as proposed on July 14, 2011, have been approved in its entirety in our meeting of September 16, 2011. The tariff will be implemented in two phases. The Board is proposing the following implementation schedule: Phase I of the schedule will take effect on November 1, 2011. Phase II will commence on October 1, 2012.
| Type of Service |
Current Rates |
Phase I (Nov. 1,2011) |
Phase II (Oct. 1, 2012 |
| PSTN Residential |
$8.00 per month |
$10.00 per month |
$12.00 per month |
| PSTN Business |
$16.00 per month |
$20.00 per month |
$24.00 per month |
| Cell Calls |
$0.10 per minute |
$0.15 per minute |
$0.15 per minute |
| Wireless Service Voicemail Retrieval |
$0.10 per minute |
$0.15 per minute |
$0.15 per minute |
| Directory Assistance; Cell to 411 |
$0.10 per minute |
$0.15 per minute |
$0.25 per minute |
| Directory Assistance; PSTN to 411 |
FREE |
$0.15 per message |
$0.25 per message |
| SMS (Text) |
$0.04 per message |
$0.06 per message |
$0.10 per message |
Caller ID Features will be available to customers (both residential and business) free of charge during PHASE I. For Phase II, all the Value Added Services (VAS) features (call waiting, call forwarding, speed dialing etc.) will be available to customers free as part of the basic landline services.
Should there be any questions or comments regarding this announcement, please do not hesitate to contact:
Ludickson Edward,
HR/Admin/Customer Care Manager
FSM TFSM TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORTATION
P.O.BOX 1210
KOLONIA, POHNPEI
PHONE NO: 320-2740
FAX NO: 320-2745
E-MAIL: customerservice@mail.fm
Palau and FSM Signs MOU for
Underwater Fiber Optic Cable
On August 9, 2011, the Palau National Communications
Corporation (PNCC) and Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
Telecommunications Corporation signed a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) to act jointly to acquire, deploy, manage,
operate and maintain an underwater fiber-optic cable to the
State of Yap and Palau. Known as the Caroline Cable
Consortium, the MOU establishes partnership between PNCC and
FSM Telecom.
The principal place of business for the partnership will
initially be at PNCC but may be changed from time to time.
PNCC and FSM Telecom intend to pursue the acquisition of the
existing cable owned by the Guam-Philippines (GP) Cable
Limited Partnership, for which PNCC has tendered and is
negotiating a proposal to purchase.
The MOU declares that the parties will contribute cash and
property to the partnership, two-thirds by PNCC and one-third
by FSM Telecom. It is expected that the total of respective
contributions will be sufficient to purchase GP Cable. The
contributions shall be made forthwith if the partnership is
successful in negotiating the purchase of the GP cable. The
shares of the profits and losses of the partnership will be in
the same ratio as the contributions to the capital of the GP
Cable.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:
SATELLITE CAPACITY
The FSM Telecommunications Corporation is now accepting
proposals from qualified Satellite Providers for the provision
of Satellite Capacity (bandwidth) for internet backhaul for
Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap States in the Federated States of
Micronesia, with the following carrier requirements:
Initial Capacity Requirements:
1. One point to
multipoint transmission with information rate of 40Mb/s uplink
from Pohnpei facility to be received at Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap.
2. Three return transmissions, one each from Kosrae,
Chuuk and Yap at 5 Mb/s to the Pohnpei facility.
Download the Request for
Proposal for further details.
MyTV Launched in Yap and
Chuuk
December 2010 marks an exciting new era for FSM
Telecommunications Corporation as it announces the launch of
its newest service in Chuuk and Yap, MyTV. The MyTV service
employs Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestial (DVBT), which is
a digital wireless system that offers clear picture and sound,
as well as convenient new options such as digital radio
channels, program scheduling, reminder feature and more. MyTV
will be offered as a prepaid service.
The basic channel lineup for MyTV will include CNN, BBC,
ESPN, Australia Network, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery
Channel, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, MTV Asia, Knowledge
Channel, Channel V, ESPN and the National Geographic Channel.
The channel lineup may change and premium channels added as we
progress.
Because of this trial roll-out, MyTV is offering 30 days of
free airtime for MyTV customers. This first time offer will
end December 31st, 2010. To subscribe to MyTV, customers must
have good credit standings with FSM Telecom.
A customer applying for the service will receive a set-top
box (STB) and an antenna. Each STB comes with a remote control
and a personalized smart card. Because this service employs
towers that transmit signals to the antenna, subscribers will
require a line of sight between the transmission tower and the
home antenna. Ask the local customer service representative if
your home is within line of sight before applying for the
service.
FSMTC BOARD ANNOUNCES NEW
SERVICES, RATES AND OFFICERS
The Board of Directors for the FSM Telecommunications
Corporation, FSMTC, is pleased to inform the general public
and its valuable customers that the new services and tariffs
as proposed and posted on February 19, 2010 have been approved
in its entirety in our meeting of April 13, 2010. The Board is
confident that with the new services and rates, a new era of
Internet use in our country will be ushered in. New Internet
access service such as ADSL as an always on unlimited
dedicated Internet service with a low fixed monthly charge
should open opportunities not only for businesses but homes.
The way we communicate to do our business, enjoy electronic
media such as music, video, social sites or simply just be in
intimate contact with our loved ones wherever they are should
be better and faster with ADSL being deployed in all
states.
FSMTC is now tasked to begin deploying the ADSL services as
follows:
- Pohnpei April 26, 2010
- Yap May 10, 2010
- Chuuk May 20, 2010
- Kosrae May 31, 2010
Customers may register interest at www.iSPEED.fm or visit your
local FSMTC office to fill out an application form. Copies of
the approved new services and rates are available at FSMTC
offices and also download a copy
here. FSMTC will be contacting all its Internet T1
customers and advising them of what to expect and the
necessary commercial arrangements regarding the new rates.
FSMTC will continue to work hard to improve and deploy new
services in FSM. All equipment required for expanding cellular
coverage in all four states have arrived in Pohnpei and is
being currently sorted to be shipped out to respective states.
FSMTC has 26 cell sites up to today and will be installing
additional 26 cell sites within the next three months.
The Board also approved funding for new digital wireless TV
system for the State of Chuuk and upgrade of the TV system in
the State of Yap. The digital wireless system was tested and
accepted in Chuuk as the appropriate TV solution. When
complete, at least 30 channels will be broadcasted. The
manufacturing and delivery of the TV will be for the next six
months.
Finally, the Board wishes to take this opportunity to
advise the general public that current Chief Executive Officer
and President of FSMTC, Mr. Takuro Akinaga, will be retiring
effective April 26, 2010. Mr. Akinaga has been the most
instrumental figure for telecommunication in this country and
without his able and astute leadership, the country would not
have been where it is now with its telecommunications
infrastructure. The Board thanks Mr. Akinaga for his over 25
years of service and wishes him all the best. In this regard,
the Board is pleased to announce that it has promoted the
current Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Mr. John
Sohl, to be the next CEO and President of FSMTC. Mr. John Sohl
has been the COO and Vice President of FSMTC for over 20
years. The Board is also pleased to announce that the current
Customer Care/Marketing Manager, Mr. Fredy Shoniber Perman,
has been promoted to become the next COO and Vice President.
Mr. Perman has been in his current position for about nine
years.
Should there be any question or comment regarding this
public announcement, please do not hesitate to contact any of
your local FSMTC office. Thank you.
ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE GENERAL
PUBLIC
With the submarine fiber cable laid between Pohnpei and
Guam and going LIVE April 2010, FSMTC now undertakes to reform
its Internet rates and also introduce BRAND NEW Internet services.
The Board of Directors met February 19, 2010 and gave the
new proposed Internet tariffs their provisional approval
pending general public comments and feedback. The proposed
tariff will change section 4 and 5 of FSMTC Tariff.
WHAT'S NEW?
- HIGH SPEED BROADBAND INTERNET
- Global IP over T1 - PREMIUM
- Reduced Rates up to 83% for Global IP over T1 Basic
- Very high bit-rate Digital Line Subscriber or VDSL
- Business Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line or
Business ADSL
- Home Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line or Home ADSL
- EDGE and GPRS Data Service on Cellular Services
WHAT'S CHANGING?
- New FASTER HIGH SPEED dedicated Internet access
services with much lower prices and insert in Section 5 -
Internet Services of the Tariff
- New pricing for Domestic and International Digital
Circuits in Section 4 - Private Lines of the Tariff
- Remove and discontinue Visitor package dial-up
Internet access
- Remove all dedicated Internet access services listed
in Section 5 - Internet Services of the Tariff
WHAT'S NOT CHANGING?
- Postpaid Dial-Up Internet
- Prepaid Dial-Up Internet
- Prepaid WiFi
You can download a pdf copy of the detailed proposed rates
here:Section 4 and Section 5
of the FSMTC Tariff. By virtue of Title 21 Chapter 2 Section
228 of the FSM code, FSM Telecommunications Corporation wishes
to invite comments from the general public on the new
provisional service rates.
FSM TELECOM ISSUES SCHEDULE
FOR FIBER OPTIC CABLE ROUTE
FSM Telecommunications Corporation has issued a cable
awareness package, warning vessels to steer clear of the route
where the fiber optic cable will be laid.
The cableship Tyco Durable will be conducting the
installation of the cable. The estimated dates for this
installation is January 8 -15, 2010. As required by
international law, all vessels and fishing gear should be one
mile away from a working cableship. Drifting longlines should
be kept 3 miles away. You can download the FSM Telecom Fiber
Optic Cable Awareness Package for further operation
details.
FSMTC LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL
SMS AND 2-WAY WEBSMS
FSMTC is pleased to announce the launch of two exciting
services:
International SMS: Connect to mobile
customers outside of FSM via international short message
services (SMS). All FSMTC mobile customers can now send and
receive SMS to an international destination that is open to
FSMTC network. A table for a list of countries which you can
send and receive text messages will be available from
www.telecom.fm. Send a quick text to eligible mobile
customers around the world and you will be instantly
connected. SMS setup is as simple as placing an
international voice call directly from any mobile phone in
FSM. For example, send a text to Hawaii, USA must enter
+1808 and mobile number. Or you can use 0111808 and mobile
number. Price for international SMS Monday to Friday 6 am to
6 pm 30 cents per successful SMS; 6 pm to 6 am 25 cents; all
day weekends 20 cents per SMS. Receiving SMS from outside of
FSM is FREE.
2-WAY WEBSMS: Send and receive SMS text
messages from a web browser from anywhere in the world to
any FSMTC mobile customer. Getting connected to FSMTC mobile
customers is as easy as visiting our 2-Way WebSMS website www.websms.fm and register
for a FREE WebSMS user account. Once you have created a user
account, you are open to send text messages to any FSMTC
mobile customer in FSM. The best part, the FSMTC mobile
customer can reply to the WebSMS directly from the mobile
phone. The service is FREE for the WebSMS user and only 4
cents for the FSMTC mobile customer to reply or send to a
WebSMS user. FSMTC mobile customer can save the WebSMS user
account on their phone and send SMS anytime. The WebSMS
service will hold any text messages in the inbox for up to 5
days.
International SMS and 2-Way WebSMS are value added features
that shows FSMTC is working hard to keep you connected!
FSM TELECOM SIGNS CONTRACT
WITH TYCO TELECOMMUNICATIONS TO CONSTRUCT AN INTERNATIONAL
FIBER OPTIC CONNECTION
More than eight years in the planning, FSMTC has finally
executed a contract with Tyco Telecommunications to construct
an extension that will enable FSMTC to have international
fiber connectivity to Guam. The extension will provide high
bandwidth connectivity between the FSM and the rest of the
world. The target date of completion is March 2010.
Using the latest undersea cable network technology, this
connectivity will enable FSMTC to provide FSM with the same
telecommunications access and services available in major
countries and cities throughout the world. In particular, the
extension will be comprised of a one fiber pair segment that
will ultimately enable connectivity through another cable
system back to Guam including access to multiple 10 Gbps
wavelengths. Since Guam is a regional node, FSMTC will have a
variety of onward connectivity options.
This extension represents phase one of FSMTC's submarine
fiber cable network plans; the next phase being the
development of a domestic inter island cable networks.
However, all islands will be able to realize more reliable and
expanded services such as improved voice calling and faster
Internet as a result of the completion of phase one. Phase one
marks the beginning of the deployment of modern submarine
fiber networks that will serve government, commercial and
private communities for many years to come.
SUN OUTAGES MAY DISRUPT
SERVICE
FSM Telecommunications Corporation (FSMTC) would like to
inform all customers that you may experience brief disruptions
in service in March due to a seasonal technical phenomenon
called "sun outage." For a period of about two weeks, the sun
causes "solar interference" to all geostationary satellite
signals. The outage could disrupt calls to and from places
within the FSM.
Sun outage interference to satellite-based telephone and
internet service typically occur during the months of
February/March and September/October. Each outage could last
for up to 15 minutes, although the actual window of time the
outages occur will vary depending on specific satellite and
earth station locations. The effects of a sun outage vary
throughout the 15 day period. The interference will gradually
decrease once it reaches its peak and become less noticeable
each day after.
Unfortunately, there is technically nothing we can do to
prevent sun outages from occurring. Each satellite service
that we receive signals from will experience this interference
at predictable times. Outages will usually occur from
late-morning to mid-afternoon, depending on the time of year
and satellites affected. We apologize for any inconvenience
this may cause you.
Sun Outage Effects on Cable TV
At first, the effects of a sun outage are minimal,
beginning as "sparkles" in the picture during the first few
days. Viewers will notice a slow degradation of picture for up
to 10 minutes, followed by several minutes of total
disruption, then, the picture will slowly clear again.
Gradually, it worsens to the point of total outage. Some
channels will experience "blocks" or "freeze frames" in the
picture before and after the peak times.
Once it reaches its peak, the interference will gradually
decrease becoming less noticeable each day after.
Unfortunately, there is technically nothing we can do to
prevent these sun outage effects. The best advice we can offer
when experiencing problems is to be patient while the sun
outage passes naturally. See prediction times for
interference.
| INTELSAT - NSS5
SATELLITE |
| Location |
Date |
Start |
End |
Duration |
| Pohnpei |
3/15 |
23:39 |
23:41 |
2 |
| 3/16 |
23:37 |
23:42 |
5 |
| 3/17 |
23:37 |
23:41 |
4 |
| Chuuk |
3/15 |
23:28 |
23:42 |
4 |
| 3/16 |
23:37 |
23:42 |
5 |
| 3/17 |
23:38 |
23:41 |
3 |
| Yap |
3/14 |
23:29 |
23:31 |
2 |
| 3/15 |
23:27 |
23:32 |
5 |
| 3/16 |
23:27 |
23:32 |
5 |
| Kosrae |
3/16 |
23:41 |
23:44 |
3 |
| 3/17 |
23:40 |
23:44 |
4 |
| 3/18 |
23:40 |
23:44 |
4 |
| Ulithi |
3/13 |
23:28 |
23:35 |
7 |
| 3/14 |
23:26 |
23:35 |
9 |
| 3/15 |
23:26 |
23:35 |
9 |
| 3/16 |
23:26 |
23:35 |
9 |
| 3/17 |
23:26 |
23:34 |
8 |
| 3/18 |
23:29 |
23:30 |
1 |
| UUNET |
March 3 - 5 |
00:18 |
00:24 |
6 |
| AT&T |
March 5 - 7 |
00:20 |
00:25 |
5 |
| France Tel |
March 3 - 5 |
00:18 |
00:24 |
6 |
| Tata (VSNL) |
March 3 - 5 |
00:15 |
00:22 |
7 |
| KDD |
March 12-14 |
23:24 |
23:29 |
5 |
| KDD |
March 12-14 |
23:24 |
23:29 |
5 |
| LORAL SKYNET - TELSTAR 18
SATELLITE |
| Kapolei |
March 11-15 |
03:21 |
03:29 |
8 |
| Pohnpei |
March 13-22 |
03:02 |
03:18 |
16 |
| Chuuk |
March 13-22 |
03:01 |
03:17 |
16 |
| Kosrae |
March 13-22 |
03:02 |
03:18 |
16 |
HUAWEI SIGNS GSM/GPRS/EDGE
NETWORK AGREEMENT WITH FSMTC IN AUSTRALIA
Sydney, Australia -24 November, 2006, Huawei
Technologies Co., Ltd. ("Huawei"), a leader in providing next
generation telecommunications network solutions for operators
around the world, today announced that it has signed a
GSM/GPRS/EDGE agreement with the Federated States of
Micronesia Telecommunications Corporation (FSMTC), to replace
and upgrade its existing GSM network to a GSM/GPRS/EDGE
network with high speed packet data service capabilities.
Under the agreement, Huawei will provide FSMTC with a total
EDGE network solution from basic call services, packet data
services, through to Intelligent Network capability, including
value added services like short messages, voice mails and
prepaid. In the mean time, Huawei will deploy Mobile
Softswitch solution based on the advanced R4 architecture to
satisfy FSMTC's network expansion requirements, and enable the
telecom service provider to evolve into 3G smoothly in the
future.
Mr. Joseph Zhou, Managing Director of Huawei Australia
said: "Huawei has extensive experience in the development of
network solutions and rich experience in telecoms industry
worldwide. We are extremely pleased to be partnering with
FSMTC to expand and upgrade their system with Huawei's more
advanced EDGE solution."
The network rollout is to be deployed in three stages
across the four major islands, which are Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap,
and Kosrae in Micronesia. This project starts immediately and
is likely to be completed by January 2008.
Mr. Takuro Akinaga (CEO) from FSMTC said: "Micronesia has a
unique environment where we need to construct a network across
four islands. Each of the four groups of islands present its
own network coverage challenges. We recognize the limitations
on our current network and appreciate how we would like to
continue to upgrade our services so it was important for us to
choose a supplier who not only had reliable and future proof
technology but also has the flexibility to increase our
network capacity quicker. In the end, we chose Huawei because
of their proven technological expertise and their vast
experience around the globe in building reliable and high
performance networks. This is an exciting time for FSTMC and
our partnership with Huawei will allow our valued customers in
Micronesia to enjoy state of the art services parallel to
those enjoyed in the developed countries like USA or
Australia."
FSMTC currently has approximately 20,000 mobile subscriber
base. With the construction of the new EDGE network it is
envisioned that FSMTC will grow through the ability to offer
packet data services, increased performance and advanced value
added services.
About Huawei Technologies Co.,
Ltd.
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. ("Huawei")
is a leader in providing next generation telecommunications
network solutions for operators around the world. The company
is dedicated to providing innovative and customized products,
services and solutions to create long-term value and potential
growth for its customers. Huawei's products and solutions are
deployed in over 100 countries and serve 28 of the world's top
50 operators, as well as over one billion users worldwide. For
more information, please visit www.huawei.com.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Kevin Crouch
Fleishman - Hillard
Kevin.crouch@fleishman.com
Tel:
+61 02 8905 6315
M : +61 04034837429
SALES & MARKETING
TRAINING FOR MICRONESIA REGION
A sales and marketing management training, sponsored by the
Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA), was
held in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) from
June 5-9, 2006. The workshop was conducted at the FSMTC –
FSM Telecommunications Corporation.
This is the first time for a PITA event to be held in the
Micronesian region. The complete program was developed to be
delivered over a period of 40 hours or 5 days. The week-long
training provided participants with the knowledge, skills and
tools to market and sell their services, particularly in the
telecommunication industry in the Pacific Island region.
The workshop accommodated participants from Tonga,
Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Palau and the FSM.
The instructor, Steven Cordeiro, helped delegates identify
and understand the elements of marketing, sales and customer
service and their relationship with each other in the broader
contest of the business. Participants were given a chance to
develop marketing strategies using the tools and skills they
have learned during the training. These strategies were then
presented to an audience, which included management of the FSM
Telecom.
A farewell dinner, hosted by FSMTC, was held on Friday,
June 9, at the Ocean View Hotel. Participants were presented
with certificates, recognizing their completion of the PITA
Sales and Marketing Management Training.
NEW FSMTC LOGO
APPROVED
 |
 |
| old logo |
new logo |
On April 04, 2005 the FSM Telecommunications Corporation
(FSMTC) Board of Directors unanimously approved a new Telecom
logo.
The new logo will be used on all FSMTC
stationery, business cards, advertisements, vehicles, and
promotional materials, as the old logo is eventually phased
out.
It was designed by Jason Aubuchon, who is
well-known throughout the FSM as a graphic artist and who has
an extensive background in product and corporate design, and
website development.
The design is the result of many
months of conceptualizing and discussion between Aubuchon and
the FSMTC management. "The FSMTC management and I felt it was
important to include the name, ‘fsmtc' in the body of the
logo to assist in name recognition and awareness of the
FSMTC," explained Aubuchon. “The blue in the 'fsm' is of
course the nation's color. The swoosh and star represents the
satellite dish and the states in the
federation.â€
Fredy Perman, FSMTC Marketing Manager,
said, "the Board of Directors confirmed the feelings of the
management that a new, bold and updated logo design was a
necessary element in the success of image and marketing
programs and in future programs of a similar nature." The new
logo is now prominently used on FSM Telecom’s official
website at http://www.telecom.fm and on
its newly launched FSM public portal website at http://www.fm.
LIVE RADIO BROADCAST
Do you have a loved one or friend who would be interested
to know what is happening in the islands, but is out of reach
of that conventional radio? FSM Telecom is pleased to announce
that it is now streaming each of the state radio stations in
Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Kosrae here.
Anybody who has
access to the Internet with audio output (speakers or
headphones) can easily tune-in. Below are the links for each
state radio station.
Please spread the word about this free
service brought to you LIVE courtesy of
FSMTC.
DISCLAIMER: Streaming radio
service is a service provided AS IS. Content of radio
broadcast is the responsibility of each radio station and FSM
Telecom assumes no liability or warranty of service. Should
there be any need to question content of the radio broadcast
being streamed please contact the radio station directly.
Online Phonebook
available The FSM Phonebook is available here.
Please note that
the phone listings on these pages are AS IS listed when the
customer originally established their phone account with FSM
Telecom. In order to help us list your phone correctly, it is
important that you provide accurate information on how you
want your phone number(s) to be listed at the service order
application level. If you do not desire your phone number to
be listed, you may request an 'unlisted' number. Remember that
we do charge a nominal fee of $1.00 per month to withold your
number--the fee applies to all types of numbers which a
customer chooses to withold, including numbers on a "hunt"
group and Internet lines.
Please check your listings
and contact
us if you see any errors with your listings. Thank you for
your patronage.
[back to top]
Policy on Payment of
Bills FSM Telecommunications Corporation wishes to
inform the public that a new policy on payment of telephone
bills will be in effect starting September 01, 2003. The
existing ten percent discount on full payments has been
amended as follows:
To be entitled for 10% discount,
the following two conditions must be met.
- An account must be paid in full
- Amount owed has to be less than 60 days old.
Contact our Customer Service Representatives for
details.
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