9
Sources: ITU data 2000-2009; Telecommunications Commission data 2009-2012.
20.
The National Development Strategy recorded in 2011 that:10
ICT is under-prioritized, and amongst the poorest in the
Pacific region. Current communications development
focuses on telecommunication services whilst media
developments are under prioritized and regulatory
enforcement is lacking. The Telecommunications Act 2009,
which requires increased capacity for enforcement, seeks to
increase competition by having extra mobile services whilst
there is still no competition in internet and landline services,
which remain exclusively with Our Telekom. Internet
services are growing and a local NGO (PFnet) operates a
total of 24 email stations in the provinces.
21.
The policy conclusion in respect of ICT under the National Development Strategy
is: “Telecommunications needs better, more efficient and cost effective services
with a wider coverage.”11 Two strategies are indicated for telecommunications:12
Review of legislation and regulations to promote competition and
consumer choice and promote competition to improve services and pricing
in the telecommunications market.
Implement progressive and enlightened measures that ensure and allow the
best technology to be utilized in a competitive commercial environment.
9
N.b. Apparent dip in internet penetration in 2010 reflects a disparity between ITU and TCSI data.
Solomon Islands Government National Development Strategy 2011 to 2020 (2011) p 33.
11
Ibid.
12
Ibid, p 35.
10
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Solomon Islands National ICT Policy