Palau: Telecommunications Sector Reform Program

Sovereign Project | 52036-001

The program will promote access to quality and secure internet services at affordable prices in Palau through policy reforms in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. It will build on the results of the ongoing submarine cable project, ADB's first operation in the ICT sector in Palau.

A single-tranche stand-alone policy-based loan (PBL) from ADB's ordinary capital resources, in concessional terms, is proposed to: (a) strengthen sectoral policies and institutions addressing quality, affordability, accessibility, and security of internet services; (b) promote market competition among retail internet service providers; and (c) improve access in rural areas. A PBL is suitable to support policy actions that facilitate and accelerate the government's ongoing ICT sector reform program, with a program monitoring framework to continue ADB's policy engagement.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Ananya Basu
    Pacific Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Palau
  • Sector
    • Public sector management
Project Name Telecommunications Sector Reform Program
Project Number 52036-001
Country / Economy Palau
Project Status Proposed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Loan
Source of Funding / Amount
Loan: Telecommunications Sector Reform Program
concessional ordinary capital resources lending / Asian Development Fund US$ 20.00 million
Strategic Agendas Inclusive economic growth
Drivers of Change Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
Governance and capacity development
Sector / Subsector

Information and communication technology / ICT strategy and policy, and capacity development

Public sector management / Public expenditure and fiscal management
Gender Equity and Mainstreaming Some gender elements
Description

The program will promote access to quality and secure internet services at affordable prices in Palau through policy reforms in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. It will build on the results of the ongoing submarine cable project, ADB's first operation in the ICT sector in Palau.

A single-tranche stand-alone policy-based loan (PBL) from ADB's ordinary capital resources, in concessional terms, is proposed to: (a) strengthen sectoral policies and institutions addressing quality, affordability, accessibility, and security of internet services; (b) promote market competition among retail internet service providers; and (c) improve access in rural areas. A PBL is suitable to support policy actions that facilitate and accelerate the government's ongoing ICT sector reform program, with a program monitoring framework to continue ADB's policy engagement.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

The program is consistent with ADB's Strategy 2030 operational priority of strengthening governance and institutional capacity, particularly in small island developing

states, by promoting greater use of ICT to improve public service delivery.
Impact The quality of life for all citizens of Palau improved through effective use of ICT
Outcome Availability of quality and secure internet services at affordable prices enhanced
Outputs

Sectoral policies and institutions

Market competition

Access in rural areas
Geographical Location Nation-wide
Safeguard Categories
Environment C
Involuntary Resettlement C
Indigenous Peoples C
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects
Involuntary Resettlement
Indigenous Peoples
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design
During Project Implementation
Responsible ADB Officer Ananya Basu
Responsible ADB Department Pacific Department
Responsible ADB Division PATC
Executing Agencies
Ministry of Finance
3rd Floor, Executive Bldg, ROP Capitol
Ngerulmud, Melekeok State,P.O. Box 6011
Koror, PW 96940, Republic of Palau
Timetable
Concept Clearance 22 Oct 2019
Fact Finding 07 Jul 2020 to 10 Jul 2020
MRM 02 Sep 2020
Approval -
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 12 Nov 2019

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

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Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

None currently available.

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

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Related Publications

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Tenders

No tenders for this project were found.

Contracts Awarded

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Procurement Plan

None currently available.