Statement
by
Ms Sharon Jahn
Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Tuesday,19 March 2002

«Taking Advantage of the Opportunities Provided by New Information Technologies»

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen:

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a remote island nation consisting of many island communities scattered widely across 2700 kilometers in the Pacific. Isolation, distance, and a small resource base pose challenges that make it difficult for the nation to develop and prosper. However, telecommunications can act as a conduit for opportunity if there is modern information and communications technology infrastructure and broadband connectivity in place.

The most critical issue facing the Federated States of Micronesia is the provision of sufficient connectivity to the international community. The FSM’s small and developing economy relies heavily on international trade yet limited on-island resources and difficulties accessing global markets place local industries at a disadvantage to operate and compete. However, by expanding global connectivity, access can be improved and applications (such as on-line, interactive, and broadband) can be implemented to help FSM leverage limited domestic resources.

We are optimistic that soon this will be possible. The FSM is talking to submarine fiber optic cable consortiums about deploying a branching unit to connect to an international submarine fiber optic network. Fiber optic cable consortiums run their cables around and through Pacific Island Nations, often without giving small countries the opportunity to connect. This lack of opportunity is mainly due to a general lack of awareness regarding our country, its needs, and its financial capabilities, combined with the cable industry’s rush to serve large, densely populated regions. The result is an unfortunate case of bypass. Currently, the FSM, like the vast majority of the Pacific Island Countries, is left to use narrowband satellite technology to communicate with the world and frequently this means using multiple satellite hops.

Four basic obstacles prevent countries like the Federated States of Micronesia from taking advantage of the new information technologies:

• The lack of communications infrastructure to reach remote communities

• The lack of a national information technology infrastructure

• The lack of a skilled workforce to install, maintain and operate the information technology infrastructure, and

• The lack of broadband connectivity to the worldwide network, i.e. a submarine fiber optic cable

In order to overcome these obstacles, the FSM is developing a National ICT Plan to maximize capabilities and delivery of services in the key areas of health, education, emergency and disaster relief services, tourism, commerce, law enforcement, and government services.

The implementation of a National ICT Plan, including the much needed infrastructure, is beyond the financial capabilities of most island nations. Grant funds, training programs, UN assistance and loans etc. will be necessary to extend telecommunications services to remote islands, to connect to an international submarine cable, and to take advantage of broadband capabilities – all vital projects essential to closing the digital divide.

Small, developing countries must take the necessary steps to overcome these obstacles in order to be able to take advantage of the opportunities provided by new information technologies. This is not an option if the countries are to achieve sustainable economic development in the information age of the 21st century. Citizens will rightly demand better health, education and opportunities for economic and personal fulfillment. Deployment of new information technologies as a result of development of a National ICT Plan and connectivity to the world via a submarine fiber optic cable will provide these opportunities for the Federated States of Micronesia, provided we receive the necessary loans and assistance.