Telecommunication Commission Solomon Islands (TCSI) on Thursday 8th July 2019 updated the private sector and business community about the Telecommunication Industry in Solomon Islands.
This was during a business breakfast convened by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) for the private sector with information on the regulator’s plans for the telecommunication industry.
TCSI Commissioner, Mr Bernard Hill presented the update together with TCSI Director Regulatory Resource, Wilson Lequvaka while Director of Markets and Competition, Mr Haggai Arumae gave an overview of the telecommunication services market performances from 2009 to 2019.
The Commission's Market and Competition Unit is responsible for the management of the Commission’s efforts to create a soundly functioning telecommunications service provider market in the Solomon Islands through effective liberalisation and, where necessary, regulation of the market.
This is the first of a series of information sessions on telecommunication, in which SICCI, as the peak body representing private sector in the country, is planning on hosting for its members especially with the Coral Sea Cable Project expected to fully commence at the end of this year.
SICCI Advocacy Officer, Mr John Kanai Ta’amora said telecommunication is an important tool for business hence the significance of updating the private sector and business community about the industry.
“Telecommunication enables companies to communicate effectively with customers and deliver high standards of customer service. It is also a key element in teamwork, facilitating effective communications amongst employees to collaborate easily from wherever they are located,” Mr Ta’amora said.
Back in 2017 when an assessment was initiated within the SICCI membership, the resultant Private Sector Scan report noted the accessibility side of telecommunications.
“It needs to be facilitated along with underpinning infrastructure such as roads, wharves and bridges.
“So, this breakfast event complements our advocacy efforts to inform the private sector on the developments that could be of commercial interest including the Coral Sea Cable coming online in December for example,” Mr Ta’amora said.
TCSI Commissioner, Mr Hill said with the evolution of technology comes benefits, some of which includes innovation and creativity, reduced capital investment and operational costs, efficiency gains and demand changes in operational models, new business models that continue to support new types of services and accommodate additional users, bring about changes on the industry ecosystem and landscape and autonomy in built products and services which will have an impact on the structure of the economy.
According to TCSI’s 2018 Annual Report, telecommunication services continue to be an important driver of economic growth and diversification in Solomon Islands.
The overall gross revenue from telecommunications services increased marginally from SBD376.3 million in 2017 to SBD379.8 million in 2018.
Telecommunications contribution to the overall GDP for last year was 3%.
-SICCI Media
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