37 Years of Connecting the Maldives: Dhiraagu’s Journey from First Call to 5G Leadership

From the first telephone call bridging islands to blazing the trail in 5G and nationwide high-speed broadband, Dhiraagu has been at the heart of the Maldives’ digital revolution for 37 years. Since its founding in 1988 as the nation’s first telecommunications company, Dhiraagu has continuously transformed how Maldivians communicate, work, and connect with the world—turning a scattered archipelago into a fully connected digital nation.

Forging the First Connections

Founded as a joint venture between the Maldivian government and Cable & Wireless, Dhiraagu introduced the first telephone services in the Maldives, connecting residents across the country’s dispersed islands. The launch of mobile services and dial-up internet in 1996 under the DhivehiNet brand brought Maldivians into the digital age, revolutionizing communication for households, businesses, and educational institutions. Over the years, Dhiraagu has consistently led innovation, with a 2005 rebrand signaling a renewed commitment to modern technology and customer-focused services.

Celebrating 37 Years with Customers at the Heart

To mark its 37th anniversary on October 1, 2025, Dhiraagu launched initiatives designed to put customers first. Postpaid and prepaid users received 37GB of free data for 24 hours, while students gained global and local perks through the Dhiraagu x ISIC card. Family Gifting, a new service on the DhiraaguApp, allowed customers to share data with loved ones, and NetProtect, an AI-driven internet safety solution, was introduced at an affordable monthly rate. These initiatives reflect Dhiraagu’s enduring focus on enhancing customer experiences and empowering users through technology.

Driving Technological Milestones

Dhiraagu’s impact goes far beyond customer perks. The successful landing of the SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable has strengthened the Maldives’ global internet connectivity. With 5G now covering 68% of the population, Dhiraagu has cemented its position as a leader in mobile connectivity. DhiraaguPay has also been upgraded to provide secure, innovative digital payment solutions, reflecting the company’s role in modernizing financial services.

The expansion of Fiber-to-the-Home services across all inhabited islands represents a landmark achievement. This extensive rollout has set benchmarks few nations with dispersed islands have matched. Dhiraagu also operates the Maldives’ first Tier 4 certified data centre, recognized internationally for reliability and security, providing businesses with the robust infrastructure needed to innovate and compete on a global scale.

Empowering a Connected Future

For 37 years, Dhiraagu has done more than connect phones and devices—it has empowered Maldivians to participate fully in the digital economy. Its services strengthen family bonds, enhance learning, and provide businesses with global opportunities. Cloud services and enterprise solutions allow institutions to securely store data, innovate, and deliver resilient services to communities across the nation.

As Dhiraagu celebrates this milestone, its vision remains forward-looking: driving innovation, expanding connectivity, and creating new opportunities for every Maldivian. The company’s journey is a testament to technological achievement and a promise to continue shaping a brighter, more connected future for the Maldives.