Western Province has become the first province to achieve full coverage under the SBD$450 million Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project (SINBIP), following the commissioning of seven new telecommunications sites.
The latest rollout means all 34 SINBIP telecommunications towers across Western Province are now operational, significantly expanding mobile and internet connectivity for communities throughout the province.
Nationwide, the number of operational SINBIP sites has now reached 157, with the project entering its final phase before full completion.
The SBD$450 million project is being financed through a concessional loan the previous Sogavare Government negotiated with China.
It is designed to expand telecommunications services to underserved rural communities and accelerate Solomon Islands’ digital transformation.
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation said the completion of all SINBIP sites in Western Province marks a major milestone for the project.
It said the achievement was made possible through close collaboration between the Ministry, Solomon Islands Tower Company Limited (STL), China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC), Huawei, provincial authorities and local communities, despite the logistical challenges of constructing telecommunications infrastructure across remote islands.
The expanded network is expected to improve access to mobile and internet services, allowing residents to better access education, healthcare, emergency communications, government services and business opportunities.
The Ministry said improved telecommunications infrastructure will also support Western Province’s long-term social and economic development.
SINBIP is being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, operated by Solomon Islands Tower Company Limited, and constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. in partnership with Huawei.
With 157 sites now operational nationwide, project officials expect the remaining towers to be commissioned later this month, bringing Solomon Islands closer to achieving nationwide telecommunications coverage
