In this bulletin:
1. SOL — Solomon Islands MP Kenilorea challenges Governor General, defends court move
2. FIJI — Fiji Labour Party raises alarm over attempted breaches at Fiji Military facilities
3. PALAU — Palau is stepping up its digital defences
4. PACIFIC— Fiji strengthens climate resilience with new regional Meteorological Centre
5. FIJI — RFMF to oversee State funeral
6. AUST — Global foreign aid in freefall, and Australia is low on the list
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Palau fuel supply stable as Middle East conflict drives airfare concerns
8. PACNEWS BIZ — VAT cuts keep prices low as consumer demand remains strong, says ADB
9. PACNEWS BIZ—-Former PNG PM O’Neill criticises K1 billion fuel relief
10. PACNEWSS DIGEST — Development finance gap risks reversing decades of progress
11. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Starlink’s entry into the Pacific: the Samoa case
SOL – POLITICS: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Solomon Islands MP Kenilorea challenges Governor General, defends court move
HONIARA, 13 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — Solomon Islands MP Peter Kenilorea says history and the Constitution are on the side of the 28 MPs challenging the Governor-General’s refusal to convene Parliament, declaring: “We have the numbers. We remain 28 strong.”
Kenilorea said the current standoff is not new, highlighted past political crises where important action was taken.
“So, we heard in court last Friday that there have been three instances in the past which were very similar to the situation we face today – where support for a sitting PM was in serious doubt. These occasions were in 1994, 1998, and 2007. In all those three situations the serving GGs during those times acted. They did so by calling parliament to allow the house to test the support for the then PMs on the floor of parliament. The same floor they got elected on,” he said in a social media post.
He stressed that the constitutional framework remains largely unchanged and continues to vest authority in the Governor-General.
“The Constitution of Solomon Islands has not changed much in the intervening years. The GG remains the Head of the Executive – vice regal – for our Head of State, King Charles III. The government Ministers that he appoints, on the advice of the PM, are still called ‘Ministers of the Crown’. The PM is still the Head of Government.”
Kenilorea said the group was “bewildering” by the Governor-General’s response declining to act.
“That is why it was bewildering for us, the 28 who signed the petition to the GG asking him to convene parliament to allow a motion of no confidence to be debated and voted on, to get a response from the GG saying he has no power to convene parliament. He even replied saying that we can take the matter to court if we so wish.”
He said the decision to go to court was a direct response to that position.
“That is why we, the 28 MPs, decided to take the matter to the courts to review the decision by the GG stating that he is powerless. Our argument in a nutshell is this: GG, you are not powerless, you have the power to convene parliament. Afterall, on three prior occasions previous GGs have called parliament for motions of no confidence to test support for the PM by parliament.”
Kenilorea said arguments have now been put before the court, with a ruling expected soon.
“We feel our arguments were well made by our lawyers. We’ll see what the court’s ruling will be.”
He also alleged sustained political pressure in the lead-up to the court decision.
“Meanwhile, over the last 4 weeks, the offers, enticements and propaganda continued unabated. Propagated by the nation’s highest political leaders both at the national and provincial levels, by political appointees, by special interest supporters of GNUT, public supporters ridiculing us on social media platforms, to so-called concerned citizens.”
Despite this, he said the group remains united and confident.
“Yet, we, the group of 28 national leaders, continue to stand together, firm in our conviction that we are the government in waiting. Defying all odds by our strong resolve and solidarity.”
“Come what may with tomorrow’s expected court ruling, we continue to stand for the values of democracy, for majority rule, and the rule of law. We are confident because we have what GNUT doesn’t have. We have the numbers. We remain 28 strong,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – POLITICS/MILITARY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 13 Apr 2026
FLP raises alarm over attempted breaches at military facilities
SUVA, 13 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The Fiji Labour Party has expressed “grave concern” over recent attempts to gain unauthorised access to Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) installations in Lautoka and Nabua, calling for a full and transparent investigation.
Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry said the incidents cannot be dismissed as minor security lapses.
“In a small island nation like Fiji… such incidents require planning, resources, and possibly insider knowledge — the hallmarks of organised networks rather than random criminality,” he said.
Chaudhry warned the situation is particularly concerning amid rising drug-related activity in the country.
“The emergence of sophisticated, well-coordinated criminal elements poses a direct threat to public safety and national stability,” he said.
While the military has confirmed that no weapons or ammunition were compromised, he said the attempted breaches still raise serious questions.
“The very fact that such attempts were made sends a dangerous signal: our defence installations may not be as impenetrable as we have been led to believe,” Chaudhry said.
He called on Government and Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua to provide clearer answers.
“The public demands full transparency: who was behind these attempts, what was their objective, and are there links to wider criminal syndicates?” he said.
The party is urging a “swift, independent and thorough investigation” by the Fiji Police Force, warning that failure to act decisively could erode public confidence.
“National security is not a partisan issue — it is the solemn duty of every government to protect its citizens,” Chaudhry said…. ACNEWS
PALAU – DIGITAL DEFENCES: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Palau is stepping up its digital defences
KOROR, 13 APRIL 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has established a new Office of Applied Technology and Strategy to strengthen cybersecurity, streamline government systems, and accelerate the country’s push toward e-government following recent cyberattacks on key institutions.
President Surangel J. Whipps Jr on Friday signed an executive order creating the Office of Applied Technology and Strategy within the Office of the President, aiming to centralise government technology planning amid rising cybersecurity threats and fragmented systems.
The move addresses vulnerabilities exposed by recent cyber attacks on the national hospital, police station and financial institutions, Whipps said in remarks accompanying the order.
“When we talk about technology, we always talk about cybersecurity, we talk about how we can move to an e-government, those are themes we tackle, how to use AI,” Whipps said.
“We talk about how we can make our lives good by using these new tools that are now available. As of right now, we know about those that have happened, cyberattacks to the hospital, to the police station, to finance. And we found that something we are short of is that materials and tools we use are different from each other and there are leaks in our systems.”
“It’s very important that there is an office that overlooks this work and is one mind,” he added. “To establish the Office of Applied Technology and Strategy within the Office of the President.”
The order cites Palau’s growing reliance on information technology for public administration, service delivery, national security, financial management, communications and economic development. It notes that decentralised planning and procurement across ministries have led to fragmented systems, duplicative spending, inconsistent standards and heightened risks including cybersecurity gaps, data protection issues, interoperability problems, vendor dependency and inefficient use of public funds.
A prior Technology Governing Body Task Force, established under Presidential Directive No. 26-69, recommended the permanent office after assessing government IT assets, expenditures and risks.
The new office, headed by a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) appointed by and serving at the president’s pleasure, will advise on significant technology matters; review procurements for efficiency and cost savings; develop government-wide standards and architectures; promote shared services and joint procurement; assess risks like cybersecurity and system resilience; and support digital transformation initiatives, including the Palau National Cybersecurity Strategy…. PACNEWS
PAC – WEATHER OFFICE: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 2: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Fiji strengthens climate resilience with new regional Meteorological Centre
NADI, 13 APRIL 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — Fiji is strengthening its leadership in weather and climate services, with a renewed focus on protecting lives and building resilience across the Pacific.
This follows the groundbreaking of the Regional Training Centre (RTC) and the Regional Instrument Centre (RIC) at the Fiji Meteorological Service Headquarters in Nadi.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Filipe Tuisawau said Fiji continues to play a key role as a regional hub for weather and climate knowledge.
“Fiji has consistently hosted regional trainings and is working towards becoming a reliable leader in weather, climate and hydrological services,” he said, noting the growing need for accurate and timely forecasts as the country faces cyclones, flooding and drought.
The new centre is being developed in partnership with the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, following agreements signed in March 2025. Once completed in 2027, it will strengthen forecasting capabilities, improve disaster preparedness, and support Pacific Island countries through enhanced training and regional cooperation.
Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Hiroshni Tajima, described the project as a new chapter in Fiji–Japan cooperation, while JICA Fiji Office Resident Representative Yumi Kimura highlighted the long-standing partnership, with the project supported through Japan’s Grant Aid Scheme valued at approximately FJD$$27 million (US$13.5 million).
The RTC and RIC will meet international standards set by the World Meteorological Organisation, further strengthening Fiji’s position as a regional leader in climate services and disaster risk reduction…. PACNEWS
FIJI – STATE FUNERAL: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 13 Apr 2026
RFMF to oversee State funeral
SUVA, 13 APRIL 2206 (FIJI TIMES) — The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) will deploy to Bau Island next week to lead logistics and ceremonial preparations for a state funeral for the former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
The operation will see military personnel map out the chiefly island to ensure the final rites are carried out with precision and dignity.
Ratu Peni Komaitai, of the Tunitoga confirmed the RFMF would take charge of infrastructure and ceremonial arrangements.
“The RFMF personnel will conduct a reconnaissance of the island for their parade and build structures for guests,” he said.
The military will also identify locations for parade formations and construct marquees to accommodate dignitaries and visitors expected to attend the burial.
In addition to engineering and parade duties, the RFMF will assist with large-scale hosting arrangements, including catering for guests on the day.
The nation is expected to pause on 17 April as Ratu Epeli makes his final journey through Suva.
Following a church service, the RFMF will lead a procession from Albert Park through the city to the Flea Market, before continuing on to Bau Island for his final burial…. PACNEWS
AUST – FOREIGN AID: AAP PACNEWS 2: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Global foreign aid in freefall, and Australia is low on the list
CANBERRA, 13 APRIL 2026 (AAP) — New figures confirm the exodus of tens of billions of dollars in foreign aid last year, led by major powers the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and France.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has reported worldwide giving fell by US$56.7 billion in 2025, or 23 percent, making it the worst year on record for aid cuts.
The shortfall will have meant hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths across much of the developed world, with millions more likely to die as a result.
The United States, which shut down USAID as one of the first acts of Donald Trump’s second presidency, was responsible for three-quarters of the decline alone.
Multi-billion-dollar cuts by other major donors — the UK (down 11 percent), Japan (5.6 percent) and France (10.9 percent) — have exacerbated the global crisis in development assistance.
The US retreat from supporting the world’s poorest and most in-need populations meant that for the first time, Germany was the top foreign aid provider last year in real terms.
Germany’s development assistance hit US$41 billion in 2025, ahead of the United States by almost US$200m. In terms of percentage of a country’s gross national income (GNI), Norway was the most generous, giving 1.03 percent.
Australia, by contrast, is of below-average generosity, ranking 25th of 32 donor nations, giving 0.18 percent of GNI, behind the UK (0.43 percent) and New Zealand (0.27 percent).
Wealthy countries, including Australia, have signed up to a United Nations goal of giving 0.7 percent of GNI — or US$0.70c in every US$100 from each nation’s budgets — to lesser developed nations.
Just four nations did so in 2025: Norway, Luxembourg, Sweden and Denmark, with an average of 0.26 percent.
Oxfam Australia said the figures should spur Australia to step up it is global giving to fill gaps left by others, helping to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria.
“Oxfam analysis found that global aid cuts mean a child under five could die every 40 seconds by 2030. If this trend continues, aid cuts could kill over nine million people by 2030,” head of humanitarian Lucia Goldsmith said.
“The governments of wealthy nations are turning their backs on the lives of millions of women, men and children in the Global South through severe aid cuts.”
Oxfam research from January found a child under five years old could die every 40 seconds due to the US aid cuts.
Another study published by global health publication Lancet last year suggested aid cuts — at 21 percent — would kill almost 700,000 people last year, and cumulatively 9.4 million people by the decade’s end.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has budgeted $5.1 billion (US$3.57 million) in official development assistance this financial year, with a small increase in line with inflation…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PALAU – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Palau fuel supply stable as Middle East conflict drives airfare concerns
KOROR, 13 APRIL 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Palau’s fuel supply remains stable—for now—but global tensions are beginning to ripple through the travel sector.
While airlines are holding steady, officials warn that rising fuel costs could soon hit passengers where it hurts most: ticket prices.
“Our fuel prices have been consistent … likely due to competition,” President Surangel Whipps Jr. said, as officials reassured the public that Palau’s fuel supply remains stable despite global concerns tied to rising fuel costs from conflict in the Middle East.
Visitor arrivals to Palau have remained steady through March, and there have been no reports from airlines about reducing flight schedules. However, officials say airline ticket prices are expected to rise as global fuel costs increase.
Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang said Palau’s overall fuel supply is currently unaffected, but officials are closely monitoring jet fuel, or JETA1, as demand appears to be increasing.
“It is unclear why we are seeing more planes fuelling up here. It could be the cheaper cost of fuel, but this is being studied, and when it is determined to affect our fuel supply, it will be managed,” Obichang said.
Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngirai Tmetuchl said airlines have not raised concerns about cutting flights, even as fuel prices climb.
He noted that Philippine Airlines recently launched its direct Manila–Palau route on March 31 and has not indicated any changes to its service.
“Australia and Japan are doing well,” Tmetuchl said, referring to direct flights operated by Qantas and United Airlines.
He added that China Airlines has signalled that ticket prices will increase soon, though there has been no indication of reduced flight frequency.
President Whipps said he recently met with Palau’s fuel suppliers, Blue Bay Petroleum and IP&E, both of which assured him that supply remains secure. A Blue Bay tanker offloaded fuel this week, while an IP&E shipment is currently enroute.
Whipps also pointed to a decade-long analysis of fuel pricing across Micronesia, noting that Palau’s fuel prices have closely tracked global trends, unlike some neighbouring markets.
“Our fuel prices have been consistent and that is probably due to the fact that we have two fuel vendors and there is competition, whereas other places have a single vendor that may control the prices,” he said.
Officials say they will continue monitoring fuel demand and airline activity as global conditions evolve, with the primary concern now shifting toward the potential impact of higher fuel costs on travellers…. PACNEWS
FIJI – VAT: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 13 Apr 2026
VAT cuts keep prices low as consumer demand remains strong, says ADB
SUVA, 13 APRIL 2206 (FIJI TIMES) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) says reduced VAT rates and strong supply have helped keep prices low in Fiji, with deflation recorded throughout most of 2025.
In its latest report on Fiji released last week, the ADB noted that Fiji experienced ten consecutive months of deflation, resulting in an overall 1.4 percent decline in prices for the year.
“Ten consecutive months of deflation… culminated in no headline inflation in December,” the report stated.
Lower prices for food, transport, fuel and household goods were key drivers, offsetting increases in areas such as alcohol, restaurants and services.
Despite falling prices, consumption remained robust, supported by strong lending and income flows.
“Consumption indicators remain strong,” the ADB said, pointing to a 23.6 percent increase in new consumption lending and a 9.2 percent rise in private sector credit.
The report also highlighted growth in inward remittances and a surge in vehicle registrations, signalling continued consumer confidence.
“An accommodative monetary policy… and ample banking liquidity have helped keep interest rates low,” the ADB said.
The bank added that higher wages and improved access to credit continue to support domestic demand, even as price pressures remain subdued…. PACNEWS
PNG – FUEL RELIEF: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Former PNG PM O’Neill criticises K1billion fuel relief
PORT MORESBY, 13 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has described the Government’s K1 billion (US$231 million) fuel relief package as “delayed, dangerously vague” and “a disaster in the making”.
“This Government has sat idle while fuel, public transport, and food prices have skyrocketed,” he said.
“To come out now, two months too late, with a Billion-Kina band-aid proves they have no plan and no grip on the economy.”
He said that the global fuel crisis had been affecting PNG households for the past eight weeks.
O’Neill also demanded transparency as regards the windfall revenue the State had collected during the crisis.
Lack of access to energy supplies through the Hormuz Strait in the Middle East as a result of the Iran war has pushed up prices of oil and gas supplies on the global markets.
He added: “While our people suffer, the Government has enjoyed a two-month windfall from skyrocketing global oil prices. As a petroleum exporter, the PNG Treasury and Kumul Petroleum have seen their coffers swell while our families are bled dry at the pump.
“Why is this windfall not being used openly to lower prices instead of being hidden in a K1 billion ‘black box’ for unknown importers?”
O’Neill warned that Prime Minister James Marape’s promise to funnel the K1 billion rescue package to “unnamed fuel importers” carried a stench of corruption.
“Throwing a billion Kina of public money at mystery middlemen with zero transparency is not a solution; it is a payday for cronies while the grassroots suffer,” he said.
O’Neill also warned of a looming food security problem.
“Fuel is just the beginning.
“The Middle East produces the bulk of the world’s agricultural fertilisers.
“This instability has already triggered massive fertiliser shortages that will impact the price of imported staples like rice for months to come.
“If we cannot afford fuel today, our families will not be able to afford food tomorrow.
“This Government has no strategy to protect our supply chains.”
“The irony of this situation is staggering.
“As James Marape was standing up to announce a K1 billion (US$231 million) handout to unknown importers, global fuel prices dropped by 15 percent following the ceasefire between the United States/Israel and Iran,” O’Neill said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Development finance gap risks reversing decades of progress
NEW YORK, 13 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — Global fragmentation, deepening geopolitical tensions and conflicts are putting decades of development progress at risk, the UN warned in a report published on Thursday – calling for stepping up investment to meet internationally agreed goals.
The 2026 Financing for Sustainable Development Report assesses progress on the Sevilla Commitment, a 2025 agreement that aims to secure the US$4 trillion needed annually to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the end of the decade.
“Implementing the Sevilla Commitment is our best chance to demonstrate the global community’s enduring commitment to cooperation and to unlock the finance needed to keep the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals,” UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said ahead of the launch.
Debt over development
While a massive scale-up investment is needed to deliver the goals within the next four years, “regrettably, the financing gap is widening,” said UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Li Junhua.
Development aid is falling sharply as developing countries – particularly the poorest and most vulnerable – face rising costs from environmental degradation and climate impacts, high costs of capital and mounting debt pressure.
Among the report’s findings is that Official Development Assistance (ODA) dropped by 6 percent in 2024 and by another 23 percent the following year. Meanwhile, debt servicing burdens have hit 20-year highs.
Trade and tariffs
“Multilateralism itself is under threat,” said Mr. Li, speaking at the report’s launch.
“Powerful nations are redrawing trade and investment alliances, often at the expense of the poorest countries. This undermines the very foundations of global cooperation.”
For example, average tariffs on exports from the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) surged from 9 percent to 28 percent in 2025. For other developing countries, excluding China, average tariffs rose from 2 percent to 19 percent – a more than eightfold increase.
Moreover, the conflict in the Middle East has triggered a significant shock to the already fragile global economy and developing countries are already feeling repercussions regarding energy, food, trade and debt sustainability.
Bridge the gap
The report also highlights positive developments, including record high spending on renewable energy in 2024 at US$2.2 trillion, doubling investment in fossil fuels. South-South trade – that is between developing countries themselves – also increased fourfold over the past 20 years.
“Implementing the Sevilla Commitment remains the only viable path to bridging the financing gap towards the SDGs,” Li concluded.
“The world is now looking to the collective political will of Member States,” he said. “We must move from the rhetoric of commitment to the mechanics of concrete action.” said Li…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Starlink’s entry into the Pacific: the Samoan case
By Amanda H Watson, Ioana Chan Mow, Aleksandar Deejay, Fiafaitupe Tuiloma-Lafaele
APIA, 13 APRIL 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) — This article draws on peer-reviewed research informed by analysis of Samoan media coverage. It reflects on Starlink’s entry into Samoa and what it reveals about public communication, policy and regulation during the entry of new technologies.
Internet access varies across the Pacific Islands region. Data is more expensive in some countries than in others. Internet speeds differ between locations. Reliability of signal varies. Some communities remain without network coverage.
In just the last few years, Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite internet service has entered the Pacific. Regulatory responses have varied, meaning that Starlink status differs between Pacific countries.
We recently published a peer-reviewed paper that looked into the developments in Samoa. For our paper, we monitored several Samoan media outlets for 13 months. The period from 1 January 2024 to 31 January 2025 was a critical one for internet access in Samoa, because Starlink was banned in January 2024 and approved in January 2025, with other developments during the intervening months.
Government regulation of Starlink received media attention and generated much interest during the period. Indicating a high level of public interest in Starlink, as perceived by the Samoa Observer newspaper’s editor, ten news articles about the regulation of Starlink were placed on the front page of the printed edition during the period. Indeed, 19 Samoa Observer news articles on Starlink were placed on one of the first three pages of the newspaper. This was a period of heightened interest in technology regulation.
We found that the Office of the Regulator (OOTR) had a shifting stance on Starlink’s entry during the period. Coupled with consumer enthusiasm and media scrutiny, this created a challenging context for the communication of regulations. Our research found there were gaps in public communication about policy shifts. For example, following news articles containing announcements that Customs would seize Starlink equipment at the border, consumers might have been surprised by an announcement on 26 June 2024 that the importation of Starlink kits had been approved. It is noteworthy that only very limited explanation was provided about this change of policy.
It seems regrettable that the OOTR and the local media did not provide clear guidance for consumers about using Starlink during this period, because consumers would likely have welcomed accurate and up-to-date information about what was permissible. The lack of clarity in communication on rapidly changing policies could have created confusion for Samoans over the legality of, for example, asking relatives to send Starlink equipment from abroad. The findings suggest more could have been done by the OOTR and the media to provide regular, clear and informative updates to the public.
While our research into media reporting has identified policy ambiguity and sudden shifts in position, it has not been able to ascertain what happened behind closed doors. It can be inferred from media coverage that Starlink and the OOTR were in frequent contact throughout the period. Indeed, there is evidence in the public record of negotiations between Pacific countries and Starlink. For example, the regulator in Papua New Guinea referred to “negotiations with Starlink” in a notice issued in December 2025.
Future research could aim to unpack what happened behind closed doors, not only in negotiations between Starlink and the OOTR, but also in other relevant conversations or communications during the period between various stakeholders. The negotiations for Starlink in Samoa were clearly unfolding in an environment of competing policy pressures, spanning issues such as licensing, spectrum management and potential impacts on existing telecommunications providers.
In response to our paper, it has been pointed out that this might not be the last time that a new technology is deployed using a direct-to-consumer model. Therefore, telecommunications regulators and government policy advisers might do well to learn lessons from the Starlink experience for application in the future. One such important consideration is that in a changing regulatory environment, clear and consistent public communication, although difficult to sustain, is critical when policy settings change.
While beyond the scope of our project, further research could usefully explore contextual factors, including possible constraints faced by telecommunications regulators in the Pacific. In particular, are such regulators adequately funded and sufficiently staffed to manage their workloads? To what extent are Pacific regulators able to operate independently? Do they experience political pressure? Are regulators trying to balance multiple competing demands? If so, to what extent do they succeed in balancing competing pulls?
Further research could also seek to elicit the experiences of consumers. What were their experiences during the period of uncertainty that was the focus of this research project? And indeed, what have been their experiences since then? To what extent have people in Samoa actually been using Starlink’s internet service? If so, what have been their impressions, as users of the service? Such an investigation could look into consumer experiences not only in Samoa but also in other parts of the Pacific during this period of technological change……PACNEWS
Dr Amanda H A Watson is a researcher with the Department of Pacific Affairs at The Australian National University. Her research interests include information and communication technologies in the Pacific Islands region and the role of the media sector in Pacific Island countries.
Fiafaitupe Tuiloma-Lafaele is a Lecturer and Cisco Instructor with the Department of Information Technology and Systems at the National University of Samoa.
Dr Ioana Chan Mow is Professor of Computing and Computer Education at the National University of Samoa.
Dr Aleksandar Deejay is a former Research Fellow with the School of Regulation and Global Governance at The Australian National University and former Executive Director at the Australasian Centre for Space Governance.
