Telecommunications 

For Vanuatu’s telecommunications sector, mobile internet has created opportunities for doing business and accessing life enhancing services. COVID-19 reaffirmed the importance of internet connectivity and digitisation of services in Vanuatu. 

Telecommunication operators play a vital role in supporting the Government of Vanuatu to provide important services and robust networks during an emergency response. The telecommunications sector has witnessed an improvement in data packages and bundling confirming the continuous investments by operators to meet the increasing demand. 

Generally, the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) in Vanuatu is only activated 24 hours before an emergency or disaster such as a cyclone. The ETC is led by the Office of Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and co-led by the Telecommunications Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR). The Chief Information Officer within the OGCIO reports directly to the Prime Minister. 

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) currently uses the Vanuatu Government National Broadband Network which consists of HF and VHF. In the outer islands, HF and VHF equipment are only located in the police stations. 

For more information on telecommunications contacts, please see the following link: 4.11 Additional Services Contact List. 

Telecommunications Regulations 

The TRBR is the statutory body that regulates telecommunications, radiocommunications and broadcasting services in Vanuatu under the Telecommunications, Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulations Act 30 2009. 

A radio licence, issued by TRBR, is required for every radio transmitting equipment and radio frequency emitting device except for certain categories of telecommunications equipment and radiocommunications transmitting devices which fall under the General User Radio Licences. 

For the importation and licensing of humanitarian communications equipment: VSAT, HF, VHF, Thuraya, etc, humanitarian agencies must submit a request to TRBR for an exemption before bringing equipment into Vanuatu (including equipment being brought in for trainings). This will enable the agency to bring the equipment through Customs. The TRBR will also require that the agency apply for a Radio Apparatus License. Note that there may be a fee for obtaining the license. 

Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems 

Apart from the above, Vanuatu Red Cross Society has some VHF equipment including 12 handhelds and two portable repeater kits. 

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 

Wantok, Pacific Link Limited, SPIM, 3 Link and Aelan Internet currently provide fixed internet services in urban and rural areas. 

Humanitarian agencies and staff can easily access the internet through affordable data subscriptions with either Digicel or Vodafone. Staff members would only have to purchase a SIM card and select a data bundle that would meet their specific needs. Digicel and Vodafone kiosks are located at the Bauerfield International Airport. Average costs for a Vanuatu SIM card are given below: 

• Digicel: VUV 200 (US$ 1.70) 

• Vodafone: VUV 250 (US$ 2.10) 

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) 

Digicel and Vodafone continue to serve both urban and rural areas through the provision of mobile and fixed internet services. 

As part of the response to Tropical Cyclone Judy and Tropical Cyclone Kevin in March 2023, the Vanuatu Government also disbursed cash relief to affected communities through Vanuatu Post. The assistance required that heads of households register using their national identification card. The Government used Starlink Internet to cope with connectivity challenges during the cash distribution. 

For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website.