The government should sustain its commitment to rural connectivity and invest and collaborate more so that Samoa can create a more connected, inclusive and prosperous future for rural communities, says a report on rural connectivity.

The report prepared by Sarai Tevita of the United Nations ESCAP, Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division, is titled Promoting Rural ICT Connectivity in Samoa: An Actionable Strategy Report.

The report said that improving rural ICT connectivity infrastructure requires a combination of financial incentives, 4technological solutions, regulatory support and community involvement.

Ms Tevita concluded that the government should sustain its commitment to rural ICT connectivity and invest and collaborate more so that Samoa can create a more connected, inclusive and prosperous future for rural communities.

“By implementing a mix of strategies, the government, private sector stakeholders and communities can work together to bridge the digital divide in rural areas and ensure sustainable and inclusive development. For the rural communities to connect to the digital world, infrastructure development contributes to a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous society for all,” said Ms Tevita.

“Mobile networks are more cost-effective to deploy and can reach remote areas effectively. Specifically, national collaboration can strengthen the efforts made at the community level.”

Eight actionable strategies were outlined and explained in the report, aiming to enhance rural ICT connectivity, addressing the core challenges of the uneven distribution of ICT infrastructure and provide opportunity to build resilient communities.

The stakeholders were advised to conduct comprehensive assessments, stakeholders can develop evidence-based strategies and interventions that improve rural connectivity, promote digital inclusion and enhance socioeconomic development in rural communities.

The report encourages to promoting digital inclusion through infrastructure development to improve connectivity in rural areas, as it promotes equal access to opportunities, closes the digital divide, supports economic development, enhances education and learning, improves healthcare access, fosters social inclusion, strengthens disaster preparedness and resilience, and empowers individuals and communities to thrive in the digital age.

The establishment of conducive policy and regulatory frameworks that incentivise investment, promote completion and ensure universal access to broadband Internet in rural areas, while safeguarding consumer rights, privacy and cybersecurity, while creating an enabling environment for growth, is also a recommendation.

The report also recommends fostering collaboration and partnerships between government, the private sector, NGOs and community-based organisations to leverage resources, expertise and innovation for accelerating rural connectivity initiatives.

Ms Tevita has suggested active engagement with rural communities as partners in the decision-making process to understand their connectivity needs, preferences and priorities.

Promoting financial inclusion and access to affordable financing options for rural connectivity projects, including subsidies, grants, loans and PPPs, and promoting the development and dissemination of relevant and localised digital content and applications that are tailored to the unique context of rural communities, policymakers, content creators and technology providers to bridge the digital divide and maximize the social, economic and developmental benefits of rural connectivity are also encouraged.

The report recommends implementing robust mechanisms in rural digital connectivity planning and implementation processes to track progress, measure outcomes, enable stakeholders to make evidence-based decisions, adapt strategies and ensure accountability to maximise the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of rural connectivity initiatives, ultimately leading to greater benefits for rural communities and populations.