Network Strategies research presented at ITU Pacific ICT Ministerial Forum

Advancing initiatives to improve access and adoption of ICT within the Pacific

Auckland, New Zealand – February 26, 2009

At the ITU Pacific Ministerial Forum Connecting the Unconnected held in Tonga last week, ICT Ministers from across the Pacific adopted a Communiqué aimed to advance specific ICT initiatives within the Region.

As a contribution to the input to the drafting of the Communiqué, Principal Consultant Noelle Jones was invited to present two key papers to the Ministers and Government officials:

  • Use of satellite networks in the Pacific, based on our study on the satellite market for the Australian Government
  • Mobile and international call prices in the Pacific region, presenting a selection of results from our regular benchmarking of telecoms tariffs

“Our research addressed a clear need for an informed debate on demand- and supply-side issues in a region facing huge challenges in bringing ICT to small remote populations with limited purchasing power,” said Noelle Jones. “Furthermore, the strategies we proposed to improve connectivity within the Pacific received wide support from Government officials and industry representatives who attended the Forum. Feedback from the Forum attendees was extremely positive.”

“Affordable communications are essential for economic development, but without economies of scale governments and operators need to focus on innovative strategies to grow the addressable market,” said Dr Suella Hansen, the Auckland-based Director of Network Strategies who also attended the Forum. “We are delighted to be able to play such an active role in bringing the benefits of ICT to developing nations.”

About Network Strategies

Network Strategies works at the forefront of the telecommunications revolution, delivering advice and insight to operators, manufacturers and governments. From offices in Auckland, London, Melbourne and Wellington, Network Strategies staff provide strategic consultancy to clients throughout the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and North America, offering a complete global outlook on key issues affecting all players in the telecoms sector.

Media contacts

New Zealand:
Suella Hansen
Tel: +64 9 522 1702
E-mail: s.hansen@strategies.nzl.com

Australia:
Noelle Jones
Tel: +61 3 9830 0152
E-mail:n.jones@strategies.nzl.com