Universal Access and Vanuatu How We Are Doing It? Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Forum 2016, Nadi, Fiji 13 September 2016

Transcription

1 Universal Access and Vanuatu How We Are Doing It? Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Forum 2016, Nadi, Fiji 13 September 2016 The Government of The Republic of Vanuatu

2 Agenda About Vanuatu About the need for UAP TRR s Regulatory Role Competitive Landscape Overview of the Universal Access Policy in Vanuatu The Two Arms of Universal Access About how we implement UAP Summary UAP Undertakings (Pay or Play) UAP Projects

3 Vanuatu Geopolitical Overview Archipelago consisting of 83 islands of which 63 are inhabited Population of approximately 288,000 (September 2016 estimates) 50% of the population are under 18 GDP (2014) of $US588.4 million Largest contributor to GDP is Services Agriculture follows close behind GNI (per capita 2013) $US3,130 Political system is unicameral Single chamber, multiparty, democratic republic Political challenges Government stability (improved since elections in January 2016)

4 TRR s Regulatory Role The Telecommunications & Radiocommunications Regulation Act No.30 of 2009 was enacted & it established the formal Office of the Telecommunications & Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR) Act commenced 27 November 2009 World Bank Sponsored TRR operates as an independent body outside of government TRR takes a Collaborative working methodology with both government and operators TRR works under a Light Touch regulatory framework Consultative, collaborative and all informed (where necessary) The TRR, under Part 4 Universal Access of the Act, has the mandate to set about improving service and infrastructure to the underserved and unserved areas of Vanuatu

5 Competitive Landscape TRR is an Independent Regulator that is a critical must Two full service carriers (Telecom Vanuatu, Digicel) TVL dominant in fixed line and ISP Digicel dominant in mobile A further 4 ISP players Telsat, Wantok (fixed 4G), Global Pacific Telecoms, SPIM Cover Port Vila only at this point in time Telsat/Wantok combined are 30% of the ISP market Single Submarine Cable Interchange Cable Limited Fiji Vanuatu Operational March/April 2014 Upon operation provided a threefold increase in bandwidth for existing price points Issues of note include international bandwidth pricing Wholesale and retail of interest

6 Subscriber Growth Government Tax For the Past 5 years, the sector has contributed over $US5million into the country s economy GDP Contribution Increase from 4.2% to 5.3% contribution to total growth of GDP (2012 figure)

7 Overview of the Universal Access Policy Policy to improve the access to telecommunications services in underserved and unserved areas Approved by the Council of Ministers November 2013 Requires that by 1 January % of the population shall have access to; Voice services Narrowband data and text services Broadband services with a minimum speed of 2Mbps and a targeted speed of 21Mbps/12Mbps (3G+) Services shall be available at; Schools Health facilities Other government institutions Prices should be as per that in a competitive market ie the same as that available in Port Vila The Policy shall be implemented and monitored by the TRR The Policy shall be subsidised via the UAP Fund where applicable Reporting to the Prime Minister on a six monthly basis

8 The Two Arms of the Universal Access Policy (1) Arm One of the Policy has a Play or Pay approach Play: Agree with operators on an approach that will achieve Policy objectives Players will rollout services to identified unserved and underserved areas at their own cost, to meet their UAP obligations under their licenses and the Telecommunications Act. 2 operators Digicel & TVL fully support UAP & have committed as Players Pay: Collect a levy from operators Licensees who are not Playing are Paying ; a levy of up to 4% will be imposed on Payers to be deposited into the UAP Fund Payers will assist Players, TRR and GoV to meet all UAP requirements & deliverables

9 The Two Arms of the Universal Access Policy (2) Arm Two of the Policy allows for UAP Programs to be implemented Specific programs developed or suggested that have an end goal of improving telecommunications and services in unserved and underserved areas Provides community benefits Generally funded by the Payers levy into the UAF, donor funds deposited into the UAF or specific donor funds for specific purposes Strict evaluation and monitoring to ensure benefits are achieved

10 Arm 1 Pay or Play: Current Status Current infrastructure commitment from players to be rolled out from 1 July 2015 til 1 January 2018 is; 25 new mobile towers and base stations across the country Complete upgrade of all 2G infrastructure to 3G+ This is all at NO cost to the government Status Completely funded from operators capital budget Approximate cost of a tower and infrastructure is $US375k 6 new mobile sites due for completion 30 June completed, 3 with land issues, 2 with access issues 47 2G sites to be upgraded to 3G+ Evaluation and Monitoring Ensure compliance with signed commitments Services delivered meet technical standards and specifications

11 Arm 1 Pay or Play: Experiences and Observations Land disputes are becoming more common Actual geographic terrain makes it much more difficult Sites are now being located in areas with little to no access Sites require significant amount of clearing Due to land disputes and terrain difficulties costs are escalating for operators Local revenues likely to lead to loss making for operators Need to consider economic returns to operator in any future site selection Need to consider alternative technologies to facilitate services in remote locales Active sharing of small cell infrastructure with satellite backhaul?

12 Arm 2 UAP Programs: Current Status Current programs underway are Computer Laboratories and Internet Community Centres (CLICC) Provision of computer labs, solar power and internet facilities to 15 schools Tablets for School (TFS) Provision of tablets, solar power, secure storage and internet facilities to 7 schools Internet Community Senta (ICS) Provision of a grant to 3 private enterprises to develop a community internet centre APT-J3 Geohazards Monitoring Network Provision of cameras and network access to Mt Yaser, Whitegrass Health Clinic, Ianeula School and locations in West Tanna ITU Disaster Community Centres Commencing with 4 sites selected in Banks, Santo, Malekula and Aneityum Awaiting ITU confirmation of network bandwidth

13 Arm 2 UAP Programs: Objectives Objectives of the CLICC, TFS and ICS programs are Primary: Increased use of ICT s by students, teachers and school administrators Support of and inclusion in both pedagogy (the how its taught) and curriculum (the what is taught) Secondary: Increased use of ICT s by the community and local business Enhancing day to day social and business activities For entrepreneurs provides a space to leverage technology to engage the local community; develop business and communicate with peers

14 Arm 2 UAP Programs: CLICC/ICS Sites Eles Centre School CLICC, Nguna Island St Patricks School CLICC, Ambae Matipavu Centre School TFS, Santo Ituani ICS, Malo Island

15 Arm 2 UAP Programs: How the CLICC and ICS Help Communities The CLICC and ICS are technology hubs, open to all, providing the point at the community can engage with ICT technologies The use of these centres provide quick dissemination information that is of benefit to the community General community social issues Establishing and transacting business online E-government services such as agricultural and health extension services Capturing local kastom, tradition and language We are already seeing entrepreneurs utilising these facilities and expect to see more Eles School gender inclusion and digital divide programs Malo ICS adult and children's ICT training Laukatai adult ICT training There is demand for these services in the community and as the community is educated in ICT, business entrepreneurs can develop and grow, positively impacting the community

16 Arm 2 UAP Programs: Data Volume Growth

17 Arm 2 UAP Programs: Experiences and Observations There is latent demand for access to information Previous graph shows the increase in data as sites have been added This is only going to grow as he facilities are embedded into the schools for teaching and as the community become more confident in using ICT There is a need to expedite government services to an online delivery model The communities want easier access to transact government business and save money in travel costs Other government services should be integrated A number of locations have health clinics/dispensaries and these should be integrated into the environment A more strategic approach to future implementations Government to take on a more eliding role?

18 Summary Universal Access is becoming a human right The more the population is exposed to and use ICT the better for the country Educationally Economically Healthwise Whilst the operators commit their resources governments must also look at committing resources Contribute to UAP Fund Continue to develop egovernment applications Support start ups and microbusiness ICT knowledge and understanding can help entrepreneurs in engaging with the community Hubs such as the CLICC and ICS provide the technology point for these activities

19 Tankyu Tumas