[Photo: File]Extending reliable internet access to remote Pacific communities remains one of the region’s biggest digital infrastructure challenges despite significant investment in submarine fibre cables. Pacific Telecommunications Council President and CEO Brian Moon says while submarine cables have transformed regional connectivity, connecting communities beyond major centres remains difficult because of the Pacific’s dispersed island geography. Moon says bringing fibre cables to Pacific countries is only the first step, with the greater challenge being extending that connectivity to outer islands and remote communities. Minister for Communications Ioane Naivalurua reaffirms that the government remains committed to ensuring rural, remote and maritime communities are not left behind as connectivity continues to expand. The comments were made during the Pacific Fibre Conference 2026 in Nadi, where regional stakeholders discussed ways to expand digital access and strengthen connectivity across the Pacific.