What is a telecenter?
Telecenters are shared premises where the public can access information and communication technologies and facilities. Currently less than 10% of the population of PICs has access to ICT and a far lesser number have access to the Internet. SOPAC believes that the only way to improve these numbers and provide more and better access to ICT and to information is by providing ICT communal facilities with Internet access. Therefore, it follows that by providing a telecenter to rural and remote communities we will improve the accessibility to ICT and fully supports the Pacific ICT Vision of ICT for every Pacific Islander.

It is well accepted that establishing a telecenter in rural and remote communities is and will be extremely challenging as can be easily verified by Telecom Operators, who have been operating in PICs for numbers of years and have to date achieved coverage which on average is about 10%. We believe that a telecenter should provide more than a basic telephone which means that providing a telecenter will be an even greater challenge.

Issues
The range of issues that will need to be considered in the preparatory phase of setting up telecenters include:
• Assessment of appropriate technology/link.
• Assessment of software expertise in PICs.
• Viable business model to ensure that it will be financially and operationally sustainable.
• HR Development programs for potential users and support personnel.
• Suitable power alternatives such as solar and wind

Benefits
SOPAC identifies the establishment of telecenters as a key infrastructure development initiative to promote and address the objectives and priorities of the Pacific Plan’s Digital Strategy through:
• Improving access to communications technology.
• Promoting good governance through better access to information.
• Providing opportunities for strengthening ICT skills in rural and remote communities.
• Providing a platform for e-Health, e-Education and e-Agriculture.
• Reducing communication costs.

Furthermore telecenter(s) can also provide access for communities to Government information thus promoting awareness, transparency and good governance. It can also be used as a community eBusiness center for conducting business over the Internet.