Mobile technology in Pacific Island countries: The potential for M-government

Abstract

The chapter focuses on the use of mobile phones in Pacific Island countries for government service delivery. The chapter argues that mobile telephone technology is worthy of attention in its own right, as compared to other technologies. This is because mobile phones have been transformational in the lives of Pacific people in ways computer-based technologies have not been, as most people have never had access to them; many do not have access to electricity or basic services such as banking, postal services and landline telephones. Despite limitations, such as small screen size, incomplete network coverage and limited data capacity, mobile phones are widely used in the Pacific. This chapter explores the extent to which mobile phones have played a role in e-government in the Pacific to date, as well as the potential for them to contribute in the future.