ASK anyone in the CNMI where the IT&E offices are and they can immediately give you directions. That is quite telling, as it gives you an idea of how IT&E has become such an institution in the CNMI and how it has managed to put down such deep roots in the community.
That strong relationship IT&E has built within the CNMI community is also the reason why the company is always nominated as one of the top telecommunications companies in the CNMI. It always makes an appearance in the Marianas Variety’s annual Best of the Marianas contest and that speaks of the high regard consumers have about this company.
Here, Marianas Variety sits down with IT&E Chief Executive Officer David Gibson and Senior Director Carisse Vendiola in order to gain some insights into IT&E’s steadfast presence in the Marianas:
Question: What makes IT&E one of the foremost telecommunications providers in the CNMI?
Answer: We have a robust, typhoon-proofed and widest network coverage in the CNMI. We have most of the region covered with buried fiber and we are the market leader in both internet, landline and mobile services.
Q: What are your most dominant services? What other services do you provide?
A: Mobile, landline, internet & phone system services. We also provide other enterprise solutions like managed IT services, managed network and infrastructure builds.
Q: As a leading telecommunications provider, what is IT&E doing to ensure that it remains at the top among all CNMI telecom providers?
A: We have the customer in mind in everything we do, ensuring all touchpoints and their experiences with us are meaningful and valuable to them. We also are able to customize and scale the solutions to fit the customer’s needs. Especially with the current market situation and economy, we make sure we provide value for their money. We are also making sure that we are nimble enough as a company in order to react and anticipate market changes and customer requirements.
Q: In addition to sales, what else is IT&E doing to build relationships with the CNMI community?
A: We have always been a consistent and active partner of the community especially when it comes to youth wellness and sports, environment and community building. We sponsor and support a lot of events and activities revolving around these advocacies.
Q: What role does IT&E play when it comes to the federal and local government’s efforts to expand broadband access across the U.S. and its territories?
A: We have always championed the consumer’s interest in pushing for a connected CNMI. Similar to what we have done in the past during COVID-19 with remote learning, we actively respond to government requests wherever they need us.
Q: How long has IT&E been in business in the CNMI and Guam? What are the company’s major milestones?
A: IT&E has been serving the CNMI and Guam for more than 35 years. IT&E CNMI started its journey as Micronesia Telecommunications Corp., which was purchased by GTE in 1981. Throughout the years, IT&E has brought world-class services to the region, achieving significant milestones in telecommunications:
• 1981 – GTE acquires Marianas Telecommunications Corp. and modernizes telephone services in the CNMI;
• 1991 – Cellular service is introduced to the Marianas;
• 1997 – An undersea fiber optic cable was installed between the CNMI and Guam;
• 2005 – Micronesian Telecommunications Corp. is purchased by Pacific Telecom Inc.
• 2008 – PTI acquires IT&E Overseas in Guam;
• 2009 – Guam and CNMI operations are merged under the name IT&E;
• 2012 – IT&E brings true 4G to the Marianas;
• 2017 – “Fiber to the Neighborhood” is launched to bring high-speed internet to the community;
• 2019 – Data center and managed Wi-Fi services are launched;
• 2020 – IT&E acquires iConnect;
• 2024 – IT&E refreshes its brand with tagline Connections That Matter.
IT&E employees pose in front of their offices during a recent brand launch.
