The Handing-over Ceremony’s Guest of Honour and Minister for Communication and Aviation, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto presented a gift on-behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands to his Excellency the Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands as a token of appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the enormous support in aiding the National Broadband Infrastructure Project in the Solomon Islands.
From Vision to Reality: 161 Telecommunications Towers Delivered Nationwide.
Friday, 31 July 2026
St. Joseph’s Tenaru School Playing Ground, Guadalcanal Province
The Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation proudly marks a historic milestone in the nation’s development- the official handing over of the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project (SINBIP), held on Friday, 31 July 2026, at the St. Joseph’s Tenaru School Playing Ground. This project represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation journey of Solomon Islands.
The ceremony signifies the formal completion and handing over of 161 telecommunication towers built in 161 sites in different locations throughout the Solomon Islands. Indicating the Government’s unwavering commitment to expanding digital connectivity and ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services for all Solomon Islanders, regardless of where they live.
The completion of SINBIP also represents a significant achievement of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation’s vision to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable mobile and broadband services to rural, remote and previously underserved communities throughout the country.
In his key note address during the ceremony, on behalf of the Solomon Islands government, Guest of Honour and Minister for Communication and Aviation, Honourable Frederick Kologeto highlighted “that SINBIP is firmly aligned with one of the key pillars of the GREAT Coalition Government – Infrastructure and National Development.” He then emphasized “that the telecommunication towers are far more than steel structures standing on our hills and islands. They are lifelines. An investment in economic growth, social inclusion, national unity, improved access to education and healthcare services and improved quality of life. Broadband connectivity has become one of the most essential foundations of modern development. To empower people economically and promoting inclusive national development.”
In his remarks, the Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the former Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA), led by the Honourable Manasseh Sogavare as Prime Minister then and Honourable Peter Shanel Agovaka then as Minister of Communication and Aviation under whose administration the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project (SINBIP) was initiated. The Minister thanked the DCGA Government for laying the foundation to start the broadband project and the efforts being put forth in ensuring the project progresses forward and now that it is completed.
The Minister further expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for its concessional financing of the project. He said, “The project has significantly improved the Solomon Islands communications infrastructure and stands as a symbol of the friendship between the two countries, China and Solomon Islands.”
In his speech at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Cai Weiming stated that “the People’s Republic of China is not just handing-over towers, cables, technical services and equipment to the people of Solomon Islands. He accentuated that the handing-over of the telecommunication towers is an evidence that PRC is handing-over to the people of Solomon Islands – opportunities of a digital future, inclusive development and digital bridges connecting rural and remote communities to the modern information world.”
Mr. Chen Wei, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Executive Managing Director in the South Pacific who as well gave his speech during the handing-over ceremony expressed gratitude on behalf of his company who was fully involved in the successful construction of the telecommunications towers and the installation and configuration of the telecommunications equipment.
Mr. Wei added that the project covers all nine provinces across the country, with 161 4G base stations of network coverage spanning approximately 1,600 kilometres across communities from one side to the other within the vicinities where these towers are hosted. Now that the project has been completed and the towers have been delivered to the people of Solomon Islands, It would increase the national broadband population coverage from 56 percent to 86 percent, significantly improving connectivity in remote island communities.
The project was successfully delivered through the collaborative efforts of the Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Solomon Tower Limited (STL), China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd, Solomon Telekom Company Limited, provincial governments, customary landowners and community leaders whose cooperation made implementation possible across the country. Invaluable support was also provided by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey and the Ministry of Forestry and Research.
The handing-over ceremony was graced with the presence of Members of the National Parliament, Permanent Secretaries and Senior Government officials, Development Partner officials, Representatives from state Owned Enterprises and Private Sector, Representatives from Telecommunication Service providers, Members of various media organisations, Representatives from surrounding local communities, Students of St Joseph’s Tenaru School and local entertaining groups.
National Investment in Digital Connectivity
The Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project was implemented at an estimated investment of Yuan (CNY) 449,851,978.48 equivalent to USD $62,681,414.90, financed through a concessional loan arrangement with the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China. Constructed for a total of 1,091days or 3 years since the official ground breaking to launch the commencement of the Broadband Project. The investment has delivered modern telecommunications infrastructure that is expected to serve Solomon Islanders for decades to come while supporting national digital transformation and economic development.
National Coverage
The project has successfully completed the construction and commissioning of 161 telecommunications towers strategically located throughout Solomon Islands to substantially improve mobile and broadband coverage.
The rollout was implemented in three phases:
- Phase One: Guadalcanal, Central and Isabel Provinces.
- Phase Two: Western and Choiseul Provinces.
- Phase Three: Malaita, Makira-Ulawa, Temotu and Rennell & Bellona Provinces.
The three implementation phases comprised 42 towers in Phase One, 68 towers in Phase Two and 51 towers in Phase Three, bringing the nationwide total to 161 telecommunications towers.
Provincial Distribution
By provinces the number of towers built per province is as follows:
Guadalcanal 35, Central Islands 14, Isabel 15, Western 34, Choiseul 11, Malaita 24, Makira Ulawa 18, Rennell and Bellona 1, Temotu 9. For the construction of the telecommunications (broadband) towers, a total of 41.4736 square kilometres of customary land was secured and was used for construction.
Transformational Benefits
The completion of SINBIP marks the beginning of a new era of digital inclusion for Solomon Islands. The expanded telecommunications network will:
- Extend reliable mobile and broadband services to thousands of Solomon Islanders living in remote communities.
- Improve access to online education and digital learning opportunities.
- Strengthen healthcare delivery through improved communications and telehealth services.
- Support government service delivery in rural areas.
- Enhance disaster preparedness, emergency response and public safety communications.
- Create new opportunities for electronic commerce, tourism, banking and private sector investment.
- Improve communication between families, communities and provincial centres.
- Support the Government’s Digital Transformation Strategy and broader national development priorities.
Appreciation
The Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation extends its sincere appreciation to all partners who contributed to the successful completion of the project.
Special recognition is extended to:
- The Government and people of the People’s Republic of China for their financial support.
- The Export-Import Bank of China for providing concessional financing.
- Solomon Tower Limited (STL).
- China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
- Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
- Solomon Telekom Company Limited.
- The Ministry of Infrastructure Development.
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
- The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey.
- The Ministry of Forestry and Research.
- Provincial Governments.
- Traditional landowners.
- Community leaders.
- Technical engineers, contractors and project staff whose dedication enabled the successful completion of this nationally significant infrastructure.
The Ministry also expressed its profound gratitude to all customary landowners and communities throughout Solomon Islands for their cooperation, patience and partnership during project implementation.
Looking Forward
The official closing and handing-over ceremony marks not the end of the project, but the beginning of a new chapter in Solomon Islands’ digital future.
With all 161 telecommunications towers now completed and handed over, Solomon Islands is better positioned to accelerate economic development, improve public service delivery, enhance educational opportunities, strengthen healthcare systems and connect communities across its islands.
Ministry of Communication and Aviation remains committed to ensuring that this important national infrastructure continues to deliver lasting benefits for present and future generations and supports the country’s vision of an inclusive, connected and digitally empowered Solomon Islands.
Guest of Honour and Minister of Communication and Aviation, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto delivering the Ceremony’s key note address speech.
PRC’s Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Cai Weiming delivering his speech, emphasizing that the broadband towers would enable rural and remote communities in the Solomon Islands to connect to the modern information world.
China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC) Executive Managing Director South Pacific Division, Mr. Chen Wei conveying his gratitude speech.
Communication and Aviation Permanent Secretary, Mr Alwyn Danitofea conveying the ceremony’s opening remarks.
Members of Parliament, Government officials and development partners attending the SINBIP handing-over ceremony
National leaders and diplomatic friends standing to the National Anthem of Solomon Islands. Among the leaders was former Prime Minister and now Opposition Leader, Honourable Manasseh Sogavare.
St Joseph’s Tenaru Students also joined the Telecommunication Towers Handing-over ceremony
Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and current Project Coordinator of the Solomon Tower Limited (STL), Moses Virivolomo delivered a brief historical background regarding the Broadband Project and conveyed the ceremony’s words of acknowledgement and thanks.
Demonstration of Live Video Chat to Provincial sites where the SINBIP towers are actively working. On the Screen, live chat was made to the remote Island of Sikaiana and a remote community in North West Choiseul Constituency, Choiseul Province.
Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) Media Team carrying out the live broadcast and live streaming of the handing-over ceremony.
Guests and officials lining up for refreshment.
Students and members of the public being served with refreshment.
A cultural group from Tikopia providing entertainment to Attendees of the SINBIP handing-over ceremony
North Malaita students of St Joseph’s Tenaru provided entertainment with their cultural performances.
St Joseph’s Tenaru Choiseul and Western Students performing cultural dances as part of the entertainment.
St Joseph’s Tenaru Guadalcanal students being the final group to provide cultural entertainment for the handover ceremony day.
The ceremony’s guest band, Unique 7 performing live with entertainment songs.
Above are two Telecommunication Towers built in Parangiju and Turarana communities, Central Guadalcanal. These two towers are among the 161 towers delivered nationwide to the people of Solomon Islands.