Connecting Remote Naviso (Vanuatu) - Digicel WAVES Competition 2015 Submission

• published: 27 Feb 2015
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A Project to Extend Mobile Network and to Build a Community Center for the Remote People of East Maewo Background: Naviso is a vibrant community with 600+ community members, 2 indigenous languages, and strong custom. Youth represent approximately 30-40% of population Copra is the primary income source. Secondary income sources are kava, baskets and mats. Average household income /yr is about $1,000. The cargo ship comes 3-4 times /yr to collect copra and stock stores. People must walk 10 km up mountain and across island to access cargo and carry it back because of the infrequency of the ship. Truck road only reaches 3km of the trek, but unaffordable for community members. No telecommunication/limited government infrastructure exists. There is no certified nurse (pregnant mothers and sick villagers must walk 5 hours one way) and not enough trained teachers for the 121 students. Project Description: The Naviso Community is excited to apply for the WAVES grant to build a Community Center—which will be our platform for community advancement—and to extend mobile network/telecommunications to the village. Community members and Peace Corps will coordinate, build and manage a sustainable, disaster-resistant Community Center with the purpose of strengthening the community leadership, improving skills and training, preserving culture, developing economic opportunities, and empowering women and youth. Construction will start May 2015 and complete by February 2016. We would like to use the remaining funds to assist Digicel with prompt implementation of a mobile network on the Eastern side of Maewo Island. No mobile carriers have begun construction of towers in East Maewo. We believe that extending access will not only benefit the people (3G broadband network for all, E-Health, E-banking, telemedicine, etc.), but it will be a commercially driven build for Digicel (400+ potential new subscribers). We have written letter/emails and initiated discussions with the Telecommunications Radioregulator (TRR), Digicel and the Prime Minister Office of the Government Information Officer (OGCIO); however there have been no commitments made after 8 months of effort.