Dhiraagu has been recognised as the Maldives’ Broadband Telecom Company of the Year at the Asian Telecom Awards 2026, highlighting the company’s continued investment in nationwide broadband infrastructure and the expansion of advanced connectivity services across the country. The recognition reflects Dhiraagu’s sustained efforts to strengthen digital connectivity throughout the Maldives, supporting both residential users and business sectors that increasingly rely on high-capacity networks to drive economic growth and digital transformation.
The award acknowledges Dhiraagu’s achievement in extending high-speed fibre broadband access to households across all inhabited islands, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications development. Fibre to the Home connectivity is now available to every household across inhabited islands, enabling reliable high-speed internet access regardless of geographic location. Alongside fixed broadband expansion, the company has achieved full nationwide mobile broadband coverage, providing 100 percent 4G connectivity across inhabited islands, resort islands, and major industrial islands, ensuring seamless communication and digital access across communities and key economic zones.
The expansion of connectivity has also supported the Maldives’ tourism sector, where reliable high-speed internet has become an essential component of the modern resort experience. Resorts across the country increasingly depend on robust broadband infrastructure to deliver premium guest services, including smart hospitality systems, high-definition streaming, digital concierge platforms, and uninterrupted communication for international travellers. Enhanced connectivity allows resorts to operate advanced operational systems, manage global bookings in real time, and provide personalised digital experiences that align with evolving expectations of global visitors. Strong nationwide coverage also ensures that remote resort locations maintain the same connectivity standards as urban centres, strengthening the Maldives’ competitiveness as a technologically enabled luxury destination.
Dhiraagu’s ongoing deployment of next-generation networks is further demonstrated through the expansion of its 5G services, which now reach 73 percent of the population. The rollout signals a broader transition toward higher-capacity networks designed to meet rising demand for data-intensive applications across households, enterprises, and public institutions. As digital adoption accelerates, enhanced network capabilities are supporting remote work, e-commerce growth, fintech services, online education platforms, and government digitalisation initiatives that require stable and high-speed connectivity nationwide.
Commenting on the recognition, Dhiraagu Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Ismail Rasheed stated that the award reflects the company’s commitment to delivering a strong broadband experience across the Maldives and advancing digital inclusion, noting that both mobile broadband coverage and fibre connectivity now extend to all inhabited islands. The company’s focus remains centred on maintaining reliable nationwide access while continuously improving service quality to meet evolving user expectations.
Dhiraagu has also received additional international recognition through the Ookla Speedtest Awards based on first-half 2025 performance data, securing titles for Fastest 5G Network, Best 5G Network, and Best 5G Gaming Experience. These achievements reinforce the company’s performance in delivering high-quality network speeds and user experience as digital consumption patterns continue to expand.
The latest recognition underscores a broader shift within the telecommunications industry, where large-scale infrastructure coverage has become a fundamental expectation. As connectivity becomes universally accessible, industry attention is increasingly focused on service excellence, competitive pricing, and the practical commercial application of high-capacity networks across sectors such as tourism, finance, education, and public services. Dhiraagu’s continued investment in nationwide connectivity positions the Maldives to further strengthen its digital economy while supporting innovation and sustainable growth across multiple industries.
advertisment
advertisment
