The Mobile Economy Pacific Islands 2019 report: Pacific Islands on the cusp of a digital revolution

The GSM Association (GSMA) launched The Mobile Economy Pacific Islands 2019 report at the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) 23rd AGM and annual conference which underscores the potential of mobile technology in the Pacific region. GSMA provided that Pacific Islands are on the verge of a digital revolution which would be espoused by the cooperation between the government and the mobile ecosystem. “This is an exciting time for the Pacific Islands as it stands on the cusp of a digital revolution and mobile technology will play a pivotal role in this transformation, providing access to life-enhancing services such as health and education and acting as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth,” noted GSMA Director General Mats Granryd. The report highlights how financial inclusion was improved since 2008 through the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP) and how the launch of 4G connections in 2018 would boost mobile broadband and hence digital transformation. Yet, there are some infrastructure challenges in many countries, such as insufficient infrastructure, switchover process, and scarcity of international internet bandwidth. Finally, the report provides that for Pacific Islands to unlock the full potential of mobile, they need to improve digital divide, enhance access to sufficient spectrum for better coverage and capacity, and provide affordable and high-quality mobile services.