Internet Access in Kiribati: Bridging the Digital Divide Across Remote Pacific Islands
Kiribati comprises 33 atolls spread across 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean. As of January 2024, there were about 73,300 internet users, representing 54.4% of the population. In early 2024, there were about 69,200 mobile cellular connections, equal to 51.4% of the population. All international and inter-island connectivity currently depends on satellite links, and Kiribati has no submarine fiber cable. Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Kiribati Ltd (ATHKL), trading as Vodafone Kiribati, is the main operator after acquiring Telecom Services Kiribati Ltd in 2015 and upgrading 3G/4G coverage in Tarawa and Kiritimati. Ocean Link launched in 2019 to introduce competition and extend