Wiring the South Pacific
Many Pacific states have been missing out on the technology we all take for granted. They have slow, expensive satellite connections that most local people can’t afford. The whole point of the Internet is that everyone joins in, but Pacific peoples have mainly been left out of the loop.
Until now, that is. PICISOC – the Pacific island chapter of the global Internet Society – has announced a project to lay a fibre to many South Pacific states. This isn’t just aspirational – it’s actually funded according to the announcement, so it will probably happen. The fibre is supposed to be laid next year.
I’ve written before about the fibres that wrap our world and the impact they have on us. And in New Zealand we’ve had cables connecting us to the world for over a century. Even back when we were Britain’s farm the cable was important. With the Internet transforming global culture and society being unconnected is being no-one.
That’s why I think this is a fantastic initiative which will enfranchise many people who are currently excluded from modern technology and the economic benefits it brings. Congratulations to everyone who has worked to make this happen.