ICT

Blockchain – the distributed-ledger technology that underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin – appears set to transform a wide variety of industries and perhaps fundamentally change the way business is conducted across the globe. While the technology is still taking off and its potential is not fully known, many emerging markets are hoping...

In July 2017 Trinidad and Tobago launched its national ICT plan, fastforward II. This five-year initiative aims to support ICT growth through 2021 in parallel with Vision 2030, T&T’s longer-term development strategy.

The telecoms and broadcasting sector in Trinidad and Tobago continues to have a positive outlook, despite market operators’ predictions of consolidation. Opportunities have presented themselves, allowing operators to make inroads in fulfilling long-term strategies on the course towards digital transformation. The downturn in economic growth...

Despite a wave of investments and advances in ICT infrastructure, internet speeds in Papua New Guinea are still among the slowest in the Asia-Pacific region. The average download speed is 4.28 Mbps, which compares poorly with 20.9 Mbps in New Zealand and 39.33 Mbps in Australia.

The arrival of Jamaica-based telecoms firm Digicel in 2007 was a game-changer for Papua New Guinea’s ICT sector. The country’s internet penetration rate rose from just 1% at the time to 11.7% in 2016, while the mobile phone penetration rate also jumped considerably, from 1% in 2005 to nearly 50% in 2017.

While still lagging behind many of its neighbours in the Asia-Pacific region, the ICT sector in Papua New Guinea has seen significant progress in recent years, which has helped ensure expansion of coverage and offerings. An increase in sector investment has helped both local and international companies expand into rural areas, while telecoms...