Samoa’s Acting Prime Minister Fiame Naomi says the Commonwealth Broadband Pacific Forum 2017 will acknowledge the crucial role of the broadband networks as the means to help transform community life.
The minister said the forum will also assist in the review of how communities are connected, administered and managed to achieve social, economic and environmental sustainability.
Representatives from governments, network operators, development partners and stakeholders are meeting in Apia to review how communities are connected, administered and managed to achieve social, economic and environmental sustainability.
The three-day event will also examine areas including the development of national broadband strategies and relevant technologies, while focusing on applications and data.
Speaking at the opening ceremony yesterday, Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said, “We have a lot of challenges, from lack of economy of scale, geographical divide, poor infrastructure and relatively high tariff. But key forum like this is giving us the opportunity to find appropriate solutions, solutions that make sense in the Pacific context.”
Mr Sovaleni stated that broadband is important for the enhancement of Pacific lives which include eGovernment – to provide more accessible 24/7 government service, eCommerce – where the public can buy goods and services and 3G and 4G where citizens can access online services such as mHealth.
But faster internet comes with new setbacks such as widening of Digital Divide, Cybercrimes and cyber threats according to Mr Sovaleni.
He told the gathering that in order to address the new challenges it is vital to strengthen partnership to have economy of scale, leverage resources, and learn from each other.
Acting CEO of Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC) Sione Veikoso in his capacity as President of the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) said that the Pacific has been challenged by geographical location, high service cost as well as other setbacks. But broadband has become a vital tool to addressing challenges.
He said that life nowadays can be a lot easier when compared to the past because now everything can be done via broadband to smart devices in an affordable price.
The two-day event also features an exhibition with presentations and interactive panel discussions.
Photo by Government of Tonga