Solomon Islands Communications 5G Base Station Progress

Although a World Trade Organization member, Solomon Islands has made no telecommunication commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services.

Internet access remains unaffordable for most Solomon Islanders due to the country's total dependence on costly, limited satellite connectivity, and the lack of competition. For this reason the future availability and affordability of mobile data services will be vital to the growth of broadband internet in Solomon Islands.

The government aims to construct about 161 3G/4G broadband mobile towers under the SINBIP around the country using both Microwave and VSAT backhaul connections to the Solomon Telekom Ltd core in Honiara. Most of the mobile towers will use green solar energy and will be accommodated in a specific fenced area based on the tower design.

Until 2011, STCL was the only licensed internet service provider (ISP) in Solomon Islands. BeMobile is in effect already an ISP since under the terms of its license it can offer mobile data services.

While tariffs in absolute terms are now comparable to those of neighbouring countries, in terms of affordability they remain relatively high. Internet access remains unaffordable for most Solomon Islanders due to the country's total dependence on costly, limited satellite connectivity, and the lack of competition.

The low availability, high cost and poor performance of broadband internet in Solomon Islands is the major factor serving to widen ―the digital divide‖,4 and is a continued drag on improvements in commercial services and people's day-to-day life.