Dhiraagu turns 36, still at the forefront of Maldives' connectivity

For 36 years, Dhivehi Raajjeyge Gulhun Public Limited or more commonly known as 'Dhiraagu' has been a true embodiment of the name it represents. Dhivehi Raajjeyge Gulhun, is a term from the Maldivian language 'Dhivehi', which translates to "The connectivity of Maldives".

Incepted at a time when mobile devices were still a futuristic fragment of the imagination for many locals, Dhiraagu has been a constant in the everyday lives of Maldivians; bridging the deep blue seas that separate the country's pearl like islands and bringing communities closer with the best technology available at the time.

The service that started with telephone booths and landline telephones has turned 36 years today. Within those three and a half decades, Dhiraagu has secured itself a spot at the forefront of Maldives' telecommunication industry, now providing 5G services and making the most modern technology accessible to locals.

Last year, the company upgraded its domestic submarine cable with the addition of four new segments. They also developed a brand new security operation centre, and strengthened their existing network operation centre services.

This year, Dhiraagu introduced the latest global super highway SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable landing to the Maldives. This provides Maldives with direct access to key global internet exchange points and data centres, strengthening the country’s international connectivity. It also improves the quality and resilience of services provided by the company to consumers and businesses, fuelling the future growth of digital services across the country.

While Dhiraagu is celebrated as a household name in the Maldives, it is also making its mark on the global stage, gaining recognition in the international community for its innovative services in the Maldives. Three years in a row, Dhiraagu has secured Ookla's 'Country's Fastest Mobile Network' from the Maldives. This is topped by the company's latest win in the Asian Telecoms Awards 2024, where Dhiraagu was named "Maldives Broadband Telecom Company of the Year" award.

The company is recognised for its strong connection to its customers and community, fostering close relationships through various promotions and impactful CSR initiatives. Last year's 'Win a Tesla' and this year's 'Win a Speedboat' campaigns are some of the more remarkable promotions the company has launched in recent times.

Initiatives such as 'Dhiraagu Gamer's Guild', an online gaming platform for local youth developed in collaboration with local gamers and developers, aside, Dhiraagu has also been an impactful and integral part of the country's social fabric. From organising local fun-runs, to Thashibari [food sharing] movements during Ramadan, and sponsoring local sports competitions and athletes whilst also working alongside non-profits to create opportunities for youth to excel in education, community initiatives, sports and social aspects, Dhiraagu's contribution has always been constant and meaningful.

For all that it has been and for all that it is, Dhiraagu deserves to be celebrated. It deserves to be congratulated for the years that went into creating a technologically aware Maldivian society, for the continuous investment that sowed the seedling that allowed Maldives to be where it is today in terms of telecommunication.