Information Technology and Computing Services (ITCS) is the official government department for providing IT services, which include policy formulation and expert advice, systems development, information technology infrastructure building and management, training and customer support. The government is committed to developing the ICT industry, including e-governance. It is also aware of the current monopolistic framework for telecommunications and is intent on making the industry more efficient.

Government Strategic Plan
The ICT goal in the Government Strategic Plan is “universal access to internationally competitive ICT services.” This goal transfers into the policy objectives that include the reduction of telecom rates in the short term by promoting more dialogue between investors and providers to negotiate favourable rates; increased coverage of telecom services, especially to rural areas; and alignment of ICT training to developments in the employment market.

Further targets include:

• the reduction of telephone charges and removal of exclusive telecom licences by 2005,
• increased competition with more ISPs,
• telecommunication access to at least 400 more unconnected villages by 2005,
• an additional 10 schools per year with computers and Internet access and corporate sponsors provided for additional schools,
• upgrading of computer skills of teachers,
• adoption of ICT employment skills training modules by information
• technology training providers, and
• integration of e-government.

Ministry of Education Strategic Plan

Limited links to education facilities are noted in the eGovernment Strategic Plan. A priority of Year 2 (2004–2005) of the plan is to focus on information technology infrastructure for education to include links to schools and database implementation. Objective 9 of the Plan deals specifically with the exploration and use of technology. It includes plans for establishing network systems for the ministry, as well as information technology centres and distance education centres at strategic locations. These will, respectively, offer ICT services and provide support for teaching and learning in schools.

Regional ICT Centre

The University of the South Pacific (USP), working with the Fiji government and JICA, plans to lessen the digital divide by establishing the PCIT, which is expected to play a leading role in carrying out a variety of activities for human resources development in ICT throughout the Pacific region. Because of USP’s strategic location in Fiji, the benefits of this venture for the country are great.