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 Page | 14 Solomon Islands National ICT Policy

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