The Tenth Universal Access Policy (UAP) Update Report provides an update to our stakeholders and the citizens of Vanuatu on the status of implementation of the Government’s UAP. It builds on TRBR’s Ninth UAP Update Report of May 2018 and is the final report for the UAP project. This Report highlights the continued progress that has been made in respect of UAP implementation and, particularly, to successfully building on to the secured industry commitment and cooperation in meeting the UAP requirements and the key Government objectives, to bring benefit to the people of Vanuatu; in accord with the intention of the UAP, as well as the economy of Vanuatu.
The Telecommunications, Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR) continues to appreciate, recognise and acknowledge the commitment of the Players and industry at large for their achievements to date, and as presented in this Report. TRBR also recognises the valuable assistance, cooperation and support from the Australian Government through its Governance for Growth (GfG) Program which has significantly contributed, through financial support, to its success via the deployment of telecommunications and internet access into remote and underserved areas of Vanuatu; particularly in respect of the Computer Lab and Internet Community Centres (CLICC) programs.
TRBR has, importantly, taken a considerable proactive and guiding approach and lead role through the process of UAP implementation over the last few years; particularly in the negotiation, finalisation and signing of the UAP Player’s Undertakings outlining commitments to the implementation of the UAP through the upgrading and rollout of new services, and the provisioning and deployment of equipment and materials for the UAP Information Communications Technologies (ICT) school and internet community centre programs.
TRBR is pleased to reiterate that, based on the current UAP infrastructure deployed by the Players as well as TRBR’s modelling of mobile coverage, the population coverage rollout has met the UAP obligation target of 98% with industry bearing the full burden and with no Government financial input. TRBR is also pleased to advise that the UAP obligation in regard to the upgrade of 2G services to 3G services has also been substantially completed with over 97% of sites upgraded. Finally, the TRBR is also pleased to advise that the UAP obligation of all government schools, health clinics and other institutions be covered by high speed broadband has also been achieved.