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Timor-Leste: Broadband Access Remains Elusive for Most

Dili, Timor-Leste - Despite slight improvements in overall scores, Timor-Leste’s broadband penetration remains a major challenge for the country.

Limited Access to Fixed-Broadband Services

According to a recent report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 2% of households have access to fixed-broadband services, while mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants stood at just 14.1 in 2017. The limited number of fixed lines and dominance of mobile platforms are major contributors to the low penetration rate.

Barriers to Growth

  • Small size of the market
  • Lack of economies of scale
  • Low income levels

These factors hinder the growth of fixed-broadband services, making it difficult for the country to achieve significant improvements in broadband access.

High Costs of Broadband Services

Mobile-broadband services cost less than fixed-broadband services, but are still unaffordable for most Timorese citizens. In fact, according to the United Nations Broadband Commission’s affordability target, broadband services in Timor-Leste cost more than 2% of the country’s monthly average income.

Limited Connectivity Options

Access to most ICT services is limited to the capital city, Dili, which has a population of approximately 200,000 people. This leaves many rural areas without adequate connectivity options.

Improvements in ICT Development Index

According to ITU’s ICT Development Index (IDI), Timor-Leste has improved its overall score from 3.11 in 2016 to 3.57 in 2017, and its ranking from 127th to 122nd out of 176 countries. The improvements are largely attributed to:

  • Increase in active mobile-broadband subscriptions
  • Percentage of households with Internet access
  • Increase in secondary school enrollment

Conclusion

While there have been slight improvements in Timor-Leste’s broadband landscape, significant challenges remain to be addressed. Efforts should be made to:

  • Increase affordability
  • Improve infrastructure
  • Expand connectivity options to rural areas
  • Bridge the digital divide