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Telecommunications Team from The World Bank Visits FSM and Meets with President Mori

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): July 20, 2010 - On the morning of July 16, 2010, President Mori met with two representatives from The World Bank: Natasha Beschorner, Senior ICT Policy Specialist, and Douglas Webb, Telecommunications Regulatory Specialist. During this meeting Mori emphasized to The World Bank telecommunications team that his Administration's two key priorities in telecommunications are: (i) the need to open up competition, and (ii) the need to connect Chuuk, Kosrae and Yap, to the submarine fiber-optic cable for internet connection.

Beschorner and Webb agreed that if FSM limits its number of telecommunications service providers, the FSM submarine fiber-optic cable is an expensive asset which could risk being under-utilized. The World Bank team advised Mori that they would be happy to provide technical assistance to the FSM, including advice on policy, legislation, regulations and remote islands access; all of which could then be followed-up with exploring options for future investments in the sector.

During their three-day visit in Pohnpei, Beschorner and Webb met with various FSM information and communications technology stakeholders, and will be returning to FSM in August and September to provide assistance in preparing business plans to open up competition and mapping out the direction of future ICT projects.

The World Bank is made up of two unique development institutions owned by 187 member countries: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). The FSM became a World Bank member in 1993.