22/08/2026
The Pacific is becoming more connected, and technologies like satellite broadband are changing what is possible for communities that have historically been difficult to reach.
But availability is only part of the equation.
A connection doesn't create opportunity if the people who could benefit from it can't reasonably afford to use it.
For students, internet access can mean education. For businesses, it can mean reaching customers beyond the islands. For workers, it can open access to remote employment and global careers. For communities, it can improve access to services that geography has traditionally made difficult to deliver.
And as AI and other digital technologies become increasingly important to productivity and competitiveness, reliable connectivity becomes even more important. The World Bank now describes affordable, high-quality internet as essential infrastructure for jobs, education, finance, healthcare and economic growth.
The encouraging part is that affordability can improve. We've already seen significant reductions in connectivity costs in parts of the Pacific as infrastructure improves and competition increases.
The next challenge is making sure those benefits reach beyond governments and larger businesses to families, students, entrepreneurs and communities across our islands.
The goal shouldn't simply be a connected Pacific.
It should be an included Pacific.