ICT Micronesia

The Impact of COVID-19 on Micronesia’s ICT Laws

Introduction
Micronesia is a subregion of Oceania, consisting of thousands of small islands in the
western Pacific Ocean. It has a close shared cultural history with three other island
regions: the Philippines to the west, Polynesia to the east, and Melanesia to the south—
as well as with the wider community of Austronesian peoples.
The region has a tropical marine climate and is part of the Oceanian realm. It includes
four main archipelagos—the Caroline Islands, the Gilbert Islands, the Mariana Islands,
and the Marshall Islands—as well as numerous islands that are not part of any
archipelago.i

Development of telephone and internet connections

With an average download speed of 12.59 Mbit/second for fixed-network broadband
internet, Federated States of Micronesia ranked 160th in an international comparison.
The upload rate was only 7.3 Mbit/second (165th place). The quality of the Internet,
consisting of signal fluctuations (jitter) and latency, is very far ahead at 20th place.
In mobile internet, i.e. on tablets and smartphones, Federated States of Micronesia
comes with a download speed of 0 Mbit/second. The upload speed of around 0 Mbit
was enough for place.

The "Speedtest Global Index" published regularly by Ookla is based on several million
individual measurements in Mai 2021 from 180 countries.

The following diagrams show the development of the various telephone and Internet
connections as a percentage of the country's population. Values above 100% mean
that, on average, every inhabitant has more than one connection. ii

Access to the Internet in Federated States of Micronesia from 1990 - 2019

Broadband internet in Federated States of Micronesia 2003 - 2019

The Federated States of Micronesia National ICT and Telecommunications Policy

Brief chronology of the major ICT policy, telecommunications, and ICT

developments:
2003 The FSM Strategic Development Plan is initiated and recognizes the importance
of broadband submarine fiber optics connectivity for all of FSM.
2004 The Amended Compact of Free Association between the United States and the
Federated States of Micronesia provides for subsidiary agreements in the area of
telecommunications. 2005 The U.S. Space Missile Defense Command (SMDC)
initiates discussions with the FSM Government regarding a Submarine Fiber
Optics Cable (SFOC) connection to Kwajalein.
2005 The Department of Transportation Communication and Infrastructure, the
Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and the University of Hawaii conduct a workshop
for policymakers on telecommunications.
2007 President Mori issues a Directive calling for the SFOC connections for all states
and establishes an SFOC Task Force which is transformed into the
Telecommunications and SFOC Task Force. 2007 The Asian Development Bank
study calls for liberalization of telecommunications.
2008 The FSM Congress passes resolution supporting SFOC connectivity for all states
and “urges the President to direct the appropriate authority at the National
Government to develop, study, plan, and come up with recommendations to
transform telecommunications and ICT to be vibrant infrastructure for the
economic and social development of the FSM.”
2009 The Chief Executives Council which includes the President and four state
Governors adopt a resolution calling for SFOC connections for all states.
2010 The Submarine Fiber Optics cable system, HANTRU1, becomes operational and
connects Pohnpei directly to Guam.
2010 The World Banks and FSM Government discuss the need to open competition
and to examine ways to ensure that the investment in the submarine fiber optics
cable is optimized.
2011 A team from the International Telecommunications Union visits all FSM States to
meet with stakeholders on the National ICT Plan.
2011 The State National Leadership Council supports the policy directions of President
Mori which calls for liberalization, an independent regulatory body, restructuring
of FSMTC, and broadband telecommunications for all states. iii

Establishes an overarching framework to harmonize national priorities, with five goals:

1. Achieve accessible and affordable communications for all;

2. Strengthen ICT human resources and increase human resource development
opportunities through ICT;
3. Improve economic growth and sustainable development through ICT;
4. Utilize ICT for good governance; and
5. Create an enabling ICT environment through policy reform and improvements in legal
frameworks.iv

Cyber Security
 Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) - Micronesia does not have an officially
recognized National CIRT.

 Standards - Micronesia does not have officially recognized national (and sector
specific) cybersecurity frameworks for implementing internationally recognized
cybersecurity standards.

 Certification - Micronesia does not have any officially approved national (and
sector specific) cybersecurity frameworks for the certification and accreditation of
national agencies and public sector professionals v

Telecommunications Law
1. Federated States of Micronesia Radio Communication Act of 1991 –

The purpose of this act is to regulate the communication by radio so as to make

available, so far as possible, to the people of the Federated States of Micronesia
such communication services required for the purpose of conducting personal
business, promoting safety of life and property, providing public service, and
allowing for the efficient and economic use of the radio frequency spectrum.
 (1) The regulations shall apply to:
(a) Foreign and interstate radio communications;
(b) Radio communications which interfere with, or have the capacity to interfere with,
foreign and interstate radio communications; and
(c) Radio communications relating to National defense and public safety.

(2) Radio communications subject to regulation shall include, but not be limited
to, the following uses and services:
(a) Public safety and government uses;
(b) Maritime, land, and aeronautical mobile radio services;
(c) Fixed radio services;
(d) Amateur services;
(e) Citizens radio;
(f) Broadcast radio services;
(g) Other uses or services which the Secretary deems necessary to carry
out the purposes of this chapter

Initial Economic Impact of COVID-19 Reported for Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) – While the FSM does not enjoy the same
level of visitor arrivals as Palau, the majority of the COVID-19 impact will also be felt in
the private sector, namely in the transportation and tourism sectors. The hotel and
restaurant industries are projected to fall by 46 percent in fiscal year 2020 and then an
additional 75 percent in fiscal year 2021, reflecting the absence of tourists and minimal
interstate visitors. Similarly, the transportation sector, which includes shipping, port
services, aviation, and airport ground handling, is projected to decline by 27 percent in
fiscal year 2020 and an additional 14 percent in fiscal year 2021. Notably, the total
projected loss to the FSM economy will be the most severe decline in the FSM
economy since the start of the amended Compact period in 2004. Ultimately, the FSM is
expected to experience a 6.9 percent decline in GDP and a loss of 1,841 jobs, reflecting
an 11 percent reduction of employment levels in the FSM compared to fiscal year 2019.

Optimistically, given the FSM’s strong fiscal position at the outset of the COVID-19
pandemic, the application of targeted internal and external assistance, including Federal
assistance, to bolster health sector investments, improve resiliency in the health
system, provide budgetary resources to offset revenue losses during the pandemic, and
to provide direct support to affected individuals and businesses, will be sufficient to
offset much of the projected threat to the FSM economy and to its fiscal position going
forward.vi
Pandemic Related Laws

Decree Setting the National Standards on Social Distancing Measures during the
COVID-19 Pandemic National Public Health Emergency

a nationwide social distancing guideline was developed and incorporated in this decree
for immediate implementation.

Measures Mandating Social Distancing for the Federated States of Micronesia:

1. As a general principle, non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as Social

Distancing Measures, shall be based upon risk assessment and capacity
assessment. Decisions regarding placing, lifting and reintroduction of these
measures will be based upon the risk and capacity assessments.

2. Social Distancing is an essential step in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Social Distancing is reducing the physical interaction between people, and it
lowers the chances of spreading illness between people.

3. Every person is strongly encouraged to practice Social Distancing at all times in

public, by maintaining a space of at least 6 feet between persons. It is especially
important to observe Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic in order
to protect vulnerable populations, including in particular, older adults and people
who have serious underlying medical conditions

4. Individual FSM States may require stricter social distancing guidelines and
procedures. Such guidelines shall be respected within the State. Until completely
prohibited pursuant to paragraph 7 of this Decree, gatherings, such as
marriages, funerals and other inherent cultural practices, may be permitted under
State regulation and advisories.

5. Virtual and distanced meetings are encouraged. Employees with

underlying medical conditions and/or 60 years old and older-—or
individuals with children under 5 years old—are encouraged to work from home.

6. Until a lockdown is enforced under paragraph 7(h), State authorities will continue
to provide guidance and regulation with respect to essential services, including
the burial of human remains within the State jurisdiction. Schedules and plans
shall be coordinated and consulted with national emergency task force for
enforcement and safety reasons to ensure safety of family and attendees by
minimizing the risks of exposure and transmission of any disease or illness. The
National Law Enforcement and Police authorities shall monitor the enforcement
of state regulation, and provide immediate assistance to regain control should the
state regulation fail.
ICT French Polynesia

Introduction
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France and its sole overseas country. It
comprises 118 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over more than
2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) in the South Pacific Ocean. The total land area of French
Polynesia is 4,167 square kilometers (1,609 sq. mi).
French Polynesia is divided into five groups of islands:

1. the Society Islands archipelago, comprising the Windward Islands and

the Leeward Islands;
2. the Tuamotu Archipelago;
3. the Gambier Islands;
4. the Marquesas Islands; and
5. the Austral Islands.
Among its 118 islands and atolls, 67 are inhabited. Tahiti, which is in the Society Islands
group, is the most populous island, being home to nearly 69% of the population of
French Polynesia as of 2017. Papeete, located on Tahiti, is the capital of French
Polynesia. Although not an integral part of its territory, Clipperton Island was
administered from French Polynesia until 2007. vii

Internet

The Internet is still a relatively new phenomenon in French Polynesia, although Internet
cafés are growing more and more popular on developed islands like Tahiti and Moorea.

Internet users in French Polynesia

 There were 204.8 thousand internet users in French Polynesia in January 2021.
 The number of internet users in French Polynesia increased by 1,180 (+0.6%)
between 2020 and 2021.
 Internet penetration in French Polynesia stood at 72.7% in January 2021.

Social media statistics for French Polynesia

 There were 210.0 thousand social media users in French Polynesia in January
2021.
 The number of social media users in French
Polynesia increased by 30 thousand (+17%) between 2020 and 2021.
  The number of social media users in French Polynesia was equivalent
to 74.5% of the total population in January 2021.

Information Technology Law

Act N°78-17 of 6 January 1978 on Information Technology, Data Filed and Civil
Liberties

This Act shall apply to the automatic processing of personal data as well as to the non-
automatic processing of personal data that are or may be contained in a personal data
filing system, with the exception of processing carried out for the exercise of exclusively
private activities, where the data controller meets the conditions provided for in Article 5
(subject to national law).
Personal data means any information relating to a natural person who is or can be
identified, directly or indirectly, by reference to an identification number or to one or
more factors specific to them. In order to determine whether a person is identifiable, all
the means that the data controller or any other person uses or may have access to
should be taken into consideration.
Processing of personal data means any operation or set of operations in relation to such
data, whatever the mechanism used, especially the obtaining, recording, organisation,
retention, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by
transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination,
blocking, deletion or destruction.
A personal data filing system means any structured and stable set of personal data that
are accessible according to specific criteria. The data subject of a processing of
personal data means an individual to whom the data covered by the processing relate.

French Polynesia crimes during the pandemic

Figures released in French Polynesia say there has been a drop-in crime, including
reported domestic violence, during the lockdown 
The French High Commissioner and public prosecutor presented their findings for the
month until mid-April.
They said in difference to mainland France, domestic violence cases dropped during
the lockdown and were down by 11 percent.
This was being attributed to the ban on the sale of alcohol.
Reported violent incidents were down by 23 percent but they noted that such crime
was more common in Tahiti than in mainland France.
While thefts halved during the lockdown, more motorbikes were reported stolen.
During the lockdown, 97000 people were checked and 6000 were fined for breaching
the restrictions on movement.
Road accidents were down by 70 percent, but one drunk driver was clocked travelling
at 140km/h.

Conclusion
There is not much about ICT and Information Technology in Micronesia and as
well as in French Polynesia. These countries, if compared to the Philippines and other
big nations, are not well developed in terms of their ICT and technology in general. As
of the moment, they also do not have Cyber Security Laws. Most of the information that
the research has encountered regarding Micronesia and French Polynesia are
proposals, visions, and strategies for future development of their ICT, IT, ICT laws and
as well as IT laws.
i
Kirch, Patrick Vinton (2001). On the Road of the Winds: An Archaeological History of the Pacific Islands Before European
Contact. University of California Press.
ii
https://www.worlddata.info/oceania/micronesia/telecommunication.php#:~:text=With%20an%20average%20download
%20speed,160th%20in%20an%20international%20comparison.
iii
https://tci.gov.fm/documents/communications/policy/ict-policy2012.pdf
iv
https://unidir.org/
v
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Cybersecurity/Documents/Country_Profiles/Micronesia.pdf
vi
https://www.doi.gov/oia/press/initial-economic-impact-covid-19-reported-micronesia-marshall-islands-and-palau

vii
 "Les statuts de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et de la Polynésie". Archived from the original on 8 May 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2015.