The Solomon Islands National ICT Policy 2017

The Solomon Islands National ICT Policy, adopted by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation in 2017, provides a detailed framework for the development and use of information and communications technologies (ICT) in the country. It is divided into three parts:

1. Vision and mission

The policy envisions ‘a peaceful, united and progressive Solomon Islands communicating and informed by technologies open to all.‘ Its mission is to make ICT available, affordable, and accessible to all citizens, enabling equal participation in social, cultural, economic, and political life.

2. Policy principles

The policy is guided by principles such as:

• Development orientation: Aligning ICT development with national development goals.
• Shared national participation: Using ICT to foster national unity and peace.
• Multilateral engagement: Engaging with regional and international partners.
• Bringing ICT into daily life: Making ICT part of everyday activities.
• Pro-competitive business conditions: Encouraging competition in ICT markets.
• Technological neutrality and aptness: Using technology suitable for specific needs without favouring particular technologies unnecessarily.
• Evaluation-driven improvement: Regular monitoring and review of policy outcomes.

3. Key objectives and strategies

The policy outlines nine objectives:

1. Accessible ICT: Improve ICT availability and affordability through infrastructure investments, local content creation, and skills training.
2. Legal environment: Establish ICT-friendly legal frameworks for e-commerce, data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property protection.
3. ICT for good governance: Use ICT to improve government efficiency and service delivery.
4. ICT for peace and unity: Promote reconciliation, national identity, and social cohesion via ICT.
5. ICT for health: Enhance healthcare delivery and workplace health via ICT solutions.
6. ICT for learning: Improve education access and quality through ICT; strengthen digital literacy.
7. ICT for business: Foster ICT use in commerce to drive economic growth and job creation.
8. ICT for the environment: Apply ICT for environmental management, climate resilience, and disaster response.
9. ICT for equity: Promote inclusive ICT access, with a focus on gender equality and vulnerable groups.

4. Implementation and review

The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) leads the policy implementation, supported by national ICT committees and stakeholders. The government intends to monitor progress using a “logical framework” approach, ensuring continuous evaluation and necessary adjustments to keep the policy relevant.

5. Additional focus areas

• Expanding mobile network coverage, which had already grown significantly by 2014.
• Improving international connectivity via submarine cables to replace costly satellite connections.
• Addressing the affordability of ICT devices and electricity constraints, especially in rural areas.
• Enhancing digital literacy and training ICT professionals.
• Tackling cybersecurity risks, cybercrime, and online consumer protection through new laws and public awareness.