Summary

This document serves as a comprehensive overview of the telecommunications sector within Vanuatu, covering its strategic history, regulatory framework, organizational structure, and critical technological progress. The organization was established in 1993 to regulate both fixed and mobile telecom services, including radio spectrum allocation and national frequency planning, under the vision of promoting economic growth through a regulated market. The Strategic Plan outlines five key values: transparency, innovation, stability, excellence, and collaboration, guiding all regulatory decisions. Key regulatory frameworks include a specific Dec 2014 directive on fixed service spectrum allocation, the Internet Governance Forum's role in promoting digital democracy, and numerous Interconnection Agreements designed to facilitate the free flow of network resources among providers. The sector adheres to strict licensing rules, requiring independent bodies to issue licences for both radio apparatus and fixed service microwave spectrum. While the regulatory landscape has expanded significantly since 2017, a 2026 draft regulatory order outlines a future path forward for standardisation and efficiency. The Organisation Structure ensures that various stakeholders from the market, government agencies, and external bodies work in coordination to address sector challenges.

While the sector has been a vital driver of local employment, particularly in ICT and manufacturing, it faces increasing global competition and the challenges of mobile retail services. The market is characterised by stable GDP figures, consistent price increases based on service type, and strong interconnection capabilities that support the transition to broadband. Despite these positive indicators, the sector continues to address issues such as child protection, consumer protection, and community safety through initiatives like UAP. The telecommunications sector statistics indicate that Vanuatu has a robust infrastructure supporting the growth of the mobile and broadband markets, with 7-12 applications for computer labs, IT equipment, and services. The sector also maintains a robust financial standing, providing grants from the World Bank for projects such as universal access policy funding and technical training. Recent developments include the launching of new ICT programs under the Universal Access Program Initiative, alongside the establishment of the TRR, which recently received over 300 new grant applications. The organization's work is supported by numerous stakeholder reports, including updates on the "Stakeholders Final Update Report No.1" and detailed historical reports spanning from 2008 to 2026. Furthermore, the sector is heavily reliant on external funding mechanisms, with a clear emphasis on the "Universal Access Policy Fund," ensuring that essential infrastructure remains available even during planned rollouts.

Title

TRBR - home

Description

Telecommunications Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR) regulate policies related to Telecommunications and Broadcasting in Vanuatu.

Keywords

report, order, consumer, stakeholders, update, telecommunications, services, licence, guidelines, market, national, interconnection, universal, access, guideline, broadcasting, plan

NS Lookup

A 3.13.136.37

Dates

Created 2026-03-07

Updated 2026-04-17

Summarized 2026-04-17