Pacific Islands Digital Divide Crisis
Recent Developments
01A 2025 Carnegie analysis described Pacific Island Countries as being at a pivotal moment in digital transformation, reflecting continued policy attention to the region’s connectivity gap.
02ITU materials presented in 2025 highlighted that mobile connectivity in Pacific islands delivers about **US$2 billion** to Pacific economies, equal to **3.7% of GDP**, underscoring the economic stakes of improving access.
03UNESCO’s Pacific technology assessment continues to emphasize that data costs remain very high and that fixed broadband access is still around **8%**, showing the gap has not been closed.
Interventions
- UNCTAD’s Pacific digital economy work and related UN agency programs continue to focus on affordable connectivity, digital infrastructure, and capacity-building for Pacific SIDS.
- ITU-led universal meaningful connectivity initiatives in the Pacific are targeting affordability and access, including work on mobile broadband affordability and investment needs.
- Regional and national digital-transformation efforts are also focusing on digital skills and service delivery so people can use online government, health, and financial services more effectively.
What Works
- Expanding **affordable mobile broadband** and reducing usage costs can produce large economic benefits; ITU materials cite an estimated **US$2 billion** contribution from mobile to Pacific economies and point to strong GDP gains from better coverage.
- Improving **fixed broadband**, internet affordability, and digital skills is associated with better trade outcomes and broader digital inclusion across Pacific Island Countries.
- Building local capacity for digitalization is repeatedly identified by UNCTAD and UNESCO as necessary to convert infrastructure into actual use, especially in low-income and remote communities.
How to Help
- Support organizations working on Pacific digital inclusion, connectivity, and digital literacy through donations or partnerships.
- Back local NGOs, community networks, and regional development programs that help rural and remote island communities get devices, skills, and affordable access.
- Advocate for public investment in submarine cable resilience, last-mile connectivity, and affordability measures through representatives and development agencies.
Make an Impact
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Verified Organizations
Organizations Helping(5)
SPC participates in regional work on universal and meaningful connectivity in the Pacific, helping governments and regional partners measure connectivity gaps and coordinate action. Its role supports evidence-based planning for better internet access and digital inclusion across Pacific Small Island Developing States.
UNCDF addresses the digital divide through the Pacific Digital Economy Programme by supporting governments and regulators, expanding digital financial infrastructure, working with financial institutions and mobile operators, and funding digital and financial literacy initiatives. The programme is designed to make digital economies more inclusive for rural communities, women, youth, MSMEs, and other underserved groups across multiple Pacific countries.
UNCTAD contributes by supporting inclusive digital economy programmes in the Pacific, including the Pacific Digital Economy Programme. Its role focuses on policy, digital entrepreneurship, literacy, and inclusive value creation so that Pacific communities can participate more fully in digital markets and services.
UNDP tackles the Pacific digital divide through the Pacific Digital Democracy Initiative by conducting Digital Readiness Assessments, funding civil society groups through low-value grants, and running capacity-building programmes. It focuses on online safety, digital empowerment, and community-based outreach to help marginalized Pacific communities participate more safely and effectively in digital life.
