The GSMA was honoured to participate in the 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA), held from April 29 to May 2, 2025, in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Hosted by Solomon Telekom (Our Telekom), the event convened over 280 delegates across 30 countries, focusing on the theme: “Digital Nations in a Smart Blue Continent: Strengthening Digital Sovereignty and Connectivity for a Resilient Pacific Future.”
Engaging in the dialogue on digital nations and investment gaps
Governments in the Pacific region have made firm commitments to drive social and economic development through digital technologies. The “Lagatoi Declaration on Digital Transformation of the Pacific” highlights the need to create an enabling environment to support and harmonise efforts towards digital transformation.
During the AGM, GSMA contributed to discussions centred on advancing digital transformation in the Pacific. A key session, the “GSMA-PITA Dialogue on Digital Nations and the Mobile Investment Gap,” addressed the challenges and opportunities in achieving inclusive, affordable, and sustainable ICT services across the region. Digitalisation is especially crucial for the Pacific Islands, a region comprised of isolated and dispersed islands where ICT solutions are essential to bridge distances and connect communities.
GSMA’s new report “Mobile Investment Gaps: Pacific Islands” highlights the mobile investment gaps that must be overcome to meet these digital inclusion and transformation goals. More than half the population in the Pacific Islands remains unconnected to mobile internet, and 5G deployment remains in its infancy, accounting for less than 1% of all mobile connections in the region as of the end of 2024. Additional funding is needed to bridge 4G+ coverage and usage gaps. While progress is possible under existing market conditions in the Pacific Islands, it will be limited and likely fall short of targets. By 2030, a significant investment gap will remain. Policy reforms and multi-stakeholder collaboration will be necessary to unlock investment, improve returns and affordability, and remove barriers hindering adoption and digital inclusion.
Showcasing innovations in early warning systems
In collaboration with PITA and Omnitouch Network Services, the GSMA demonstrated a cell broadcast-based early warning system. This system is designed to utilise the emergency broadcast channel embedded in all mobile networks, enabling rapid, secure, and congestion-free emergency alerts to reach all mobile handsets in a targeted geographic area.
The Solomon Islands will be the first pilot country, with Our Telekom leading the deployment. The initiative aims to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience by providing an additional channel for disseminating alert messages, complementing existing platforms such as radio, TV, and social media. Following the successful pilot, the program plans to expand to three additional countries: the Cook Islands, Kiribati, and Samoa.
Exploring global telecom trends relevant to the Pacific
The GSMA also hosted a session discussing emerging global telecom trends showcased at MWC 2025. Topics included network monetisation, AI integration, open APIs, and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) with mobile networks. These innovations are relevant to the Pacific, offering new pathways to enhance the region’s infrastructure, efficiency, and service delivery.
Supporting operators through GSMA Industry Services
In addition to insights and demos, GSMA introduced several industry services designed to support Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), particularly in developing and small island markets. These tools help MNOS optimise operations, lower costs, and accelerate service rollout, including: Network Settings Exchange – streamlines device onboarding and feature activation, improving time to market and reducing churn. Equipment Marketplace – enables MNOs to monetise surplus infrastructure and source refurbished equipment, helping manage capital expenditure efficiently.
These services align with GSMA’s mission to support MNOs in building more sustainable, affordable, and future-ready networks — particularly in regions like the Pacific where investment challenges are pronounced.
Contributing to a collaborative future
The GSMA extends its gratitude to PITA, Our Telekom, and all participants for the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions at the AGM. The event underscored the importance of regional and global collaboration in advancing internet accessibility, telecommunications policy, and mobile connectivity across the Pacific. The GSMA remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster a more inclusive, resilient, and connected Pacific. We look forward to continued partnerships that help realise the vision of a digitally empowered and resilient Pacific.