Implications of telecommunications liberalisation for small and medium enterprises in Vanuatu

Abstract

This article examines implications of telecommunications liberalisation for the value chain of four archetypical small and medium enterprises in Vanuatu. Drawing on detailed interviews and household-level surveys, it demonstrates that the advent of competition is increasing access to telecommunications throughout Vanuatu, reducing the costs of doing business and expanding business opportunities. Furthering the benefits of telecommunications liberalisation, however, requires addressing issues of affordability, encouraging more elaborate uses of telephony and investing in complementary infrastructure. Show more