COVID-19 has highlighted the reactive nature of Australia’s approach to digital infrastructure development in the region.

Even before the onset of COVID-19, the need for more robust digital infrastructure and internet connectivity across the Pacific Islands had become increasingly apparent. Though many countries and international organizations — Australia among them — had taken some steps to provide for these needs, demand was only amplified further by the onset of the pandemic.
Though Australia has made some visible contributions to improving regional digital connectivity in recent years, digital infrastructure has not featured prominently in government discourse on the region, particularly since the pandemic struck. Despite this growth in connectivity, there remain significant issues in terms of access and utilization by Pacific Island states.

This article was written by Tom Corben and Euan Moyle

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