24 Sep 2020

Solomons govt seeking funding to construct new 4G network

10:43 am on 24 September 2020

The Solomon Islands government is seeking funding to construct a new 4G network to service rural areas.

Base station network operator. 5G. 4G, 3G mobile technologies.

Photo: 123RF

RNZ Pacific understands the plan involved the erection of 200 towers around the country.

A proposal is set to be submitted to cabinet this week with the aim of having 50 towers up before the 2023 Pacific Games.

China had publicly expressed interest in being part of the project with Huawei already a long established partner of local telecommunication companys in the country.

However, it is understood the government is trying to keep options open because of uncertainty and controvery within the current geopolitical climate related to telecommunication networks.

The reasoning behind the plan is reportedly because of the $US50 million cost required to upgrade the network to deliver the full benefits of the new fibre-optic submarine cable.