Solomon Islands - Telecoms Market Overview & Statistics

Synopsis

Due to the limited level of market activity in this country, BuddeComm is now publishing this report on an "On Demand" basis. Please Contact Us for more information.

The telecommunications market in the Solomon Islands was severely impacted during a period of political and economic instability between 2000 and 2005. During that period many telecommunications facilities were destroyed or damaged and consequently many telecommunications developments and investments were placed on hold. Since 2007 growth in demand and use of both fixed-line and mobile services has increased. Our Telekom (previously Solomon Telecom) enjoys a virtual monopoly over both fixed-line and mobile voice and data services. However in mid-2009 parliament passed the Telecommunications Bill 2009. Under the bill, the provision of mobile services will be opened to competition in April 2010 while Internet services will be opened to competition in April 2011. The passing of this bill represents an enormous opportunity to improve basic access to affordable fixed-line and mobile services in the Solomon Islands. The country has among the lowest penetrations world-wide for fixed-line and mobile services though the number of mobile services has grown swiftly since 2007.