suella hansen pacific wave presentation ict connectivity in the pacific
TRANSCRIPT
ICT connectivity in the Pacific region
Dr Suella Hansen, Director
Presentation for Pacific Wave Conference15 May 2015
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ICT will drive economic growthin the Pacific
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ICT infrastructure reduces poverty and improves inclusiveness
New enabling applications – improve business, social, educational and other personal circumstances
Business development – generate new revenue streams and cost savings for small owner-operators
Health – effective ICT a key resource for hospitals, health clinics and remote care
Education – equip students to enter the Information Society and improve entire learning process.
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Improving access to ICT
Reducing costs
Greater bandwidth for international and domestic connectivity
Removing barriers to investment
Strengthening ICT skills
Key ICT priorities identified in our review of the Pacific Regional Digital Strategy
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Investment in infrastructure
• submarine cables
• satellite connectivity
• domestic mobile and broadband networks
Market liberalisation
• reduced prices through competition
Skilled workforce
The leading Pacific countries have made significant progress
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Further improvement is still needed
Availability of robust and cost-effective broadband services remains limited
Rural connectivity and supporting infrastructure still challenging in many islands
Wide and growing gap between estimated demand for bandwidth and current / projected supply
Lack of information on ICT access, usage and infrastructure.
Many cannot access high bandwidth applications that address social, economic and health needs
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Information is crucial
Chart progress towards objectives
• measure socio-economic benefits
• finetune projects and strategies
• plan for additional growth
Provide guidance to potential investors
• identify opportunities
• affirm business cases and strategies
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What is the ICT situation in the Pacific?
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Penetration of fixed broadband Internet is low
Source: ITU, 2013
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Mobile penetration is reasonable but mobile broadband penetration is still low
Source: ITU, 2013 for mobile, 2012 for mobile broadband (except Fiji and Solomons)
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How much does the typical mobile user pay?
Source: Network Strategies, prices from operator websites, May 2015
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Text messaging remains relatively expensive
Source: Network Strategies, prices from operator websites, May 2015
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Many mobile users struggle with affordability
Source: Network Strategies, prices from operator websites, May 2015
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How do mobile data users fare?
Source: Network Strategies, prices from operator websites, May 2015
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Mobile data is most affordable in the Cook Islands and Fiji
Source: Network Strategies, prices from operator websites, May 2015
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International Internet bandwidth per user has increased in some countries
Source: ITU
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… but is much lower than NZ and Australia
Source: ITU, 2013 (Note: 2012 values used if 2013 values unavailable)
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Key steps required for improved future connectivity
Address connectivity gaps by extending domestic ICT and supporting infrastructureAddress connectivity gaps by extending domestic ICT and supporting infrastructure
Expand infrastructure
Promote efficient usage of infrastructure through education, training courses and capacity buildingPromote efficient usage of infrastructure through education, training courses and capacity building
Encourage efficient use
Improve affordability of key ICT services via policy, regulatory and commercial driversImprove affordability of key ICT services via policy, regulatory and commercial drivers
Increase uptake
Secure funding to sustain assistance beyond the initial investment phase.Secure funding to sustain assistance beyond the initial investment phase.
Obtain funding
Contact: Suella Hansen
+64 9 522 1702
www.strategies.nzl.comAuckland • London • Melbourne • Wellington