The Asian Development Bank says the high cost of internet services is becoming a significant issue for the Pacific.
Computer in a box Photo: 123RF
The ADB says internet costs in some Pacific countries are more than 20 percent of per capita income, compared to less than five per cent in developed countries.
The bank's Pacific ICT Specialist Sibesh Bhattacharya said internet costs remain a major constraint for small Pacific countries
"They have to look for opportunity to give employment, bring new businesses, promote entrepeneurship, and now the internet is one of the backbones to do all these things," he said.
"So if there is no internet it is very difficult to compete with the rest of the world in any sector."
Sibesh Bhattacharya said some countries still lacked submarine cables connections, while there was also a need for more competition and stronger regulation.
