The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Derek Sikua has told Parliament the country's development is being hampered by the nation's poor telecommunications services.
Debating the Telecommunications Bill which will allow competition in the sector Dr Sikua says services in the country are limited in coverage, unreliable and of poor quality, and prices are amongst the highest in the Pacific.
He says this is stifling growth, and competition in the telecommunications sector around the Pacific has brought economic and social benefits.
Dr Sikua says the country cannot afford to miss out on these opportunities and it needs to act now.
Debate on the bill which was drafted by the World Bank concludes today.
