3.4 Micronesia Telecommunications | Digital Logistics Capacity Assessments

FSM Telecommunications (FSMTC) is the main provider of telecom services throughout the FSM with approximately 80% national coverage. It is a public corporation. It operates under a government mandate to provide uniform services throughout FSM.

There have been 3 new entrants to the market in the past 3 years Iboom (Yap) and Kacific (FSM) both providing broadband satellite internet only and CPOC (Chuuk) which is government run and aims to provide mobile and internet once it is fully operational. Kacific is a wholesale business selling to telecommunications operators, internet service providers, governments and other service providers.

SIM cards can be purchased from FSMTC outlets in the main centres of each of the main Islands and prepay cards are available at most shops and hotels throughout the FSM. Network provides 4G

For more information on telecoms contacts, please see the following link: 4.11 Micronesia Additional Services Contact List

Telephone Services
Is there an existing landline telephone network?	Yes Main Islands Only
Does it allow international calls?	Yes
Number and Length of Downtime Periods (on average)	0
Mobile Phone Providers
Approximate Percentage of National Coverage	80%

Telecommunication Regulation

Administration of the Rules and regulations regarding telecommunications is the responsibility of the Telecommunications Regulations Authority (TRA). The regulations in place now regarding reference to the importation and licensing of humanitarian communications equipment: VSAT, HF, VHF, Thurayas, etc is that “as long as the equipment is FCC approved, there should not be any issue in importing such equipment” (TRA Legal & Regulatory Officer).

Regulations on Usage and Import
	Regulations in Place?	Regulating Authority
Satellite	Yes	Telecommunications Regulations Authority (TRA).
HF Radio	Yes	Telecommunications Regulations Authority (TRA).
UHF/VHF/HF Radio: Handheld, Base and Mobile	Yes	Telecommunications Regulations Authority (TRA).
UHF/VHF Repeaters	Yes	Telecommunications Regulations Authority (TRA).
GPS	Yes	Telecommunications Regulations Authority (TRA).
VSAT	Yes	Telecommunications Regulations Authority (TRA).
Individual Network Operator Licenses Required
Individual Operating licenses are issued to operators that are offering both communication services and that own communication networks/infrastructure in the FSM. Another type of operating license issued is referred to as a Class License. This type of license is issued to operators that are only offering communication services through other licensees as reseller in the FSM and do not own any networks.
Frequency Licenses Required
The only frequency license the TRA issues is for Mobile Spectrum. Other frequencies/spectrum such as maritime, radio broadcasting etc are still being handled by the Department of TC&I (Ministry of Communications).

Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems

UNDP have a further planned project with DECEM where they are installing VHF and HF radios for DECEM, DCOs and municipalities in Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap. Current coverage is Pohnpei central area.

Existing UN Telecommunication Systems
	UNDP	WFP
VHF Frequencies	Tx :156.025–157.425 MHz Rx: 156.050–163.275 MHz	VHF and HF radios in Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap, the coverage is state centres and to some outer islands.
HF Frequencies	Receive: 0.5–29.9999MHz, Transmit: 1.6–29.9999MHz
Locations of Repeaters
VSAT

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

All 4 main Islands are connected to the undersea fibre optic cable and FSMTC provides mobile Internet through its 4G network. Connectivity and reliability are good and business packages are readily available.

Internet Service Providers
Are there ISPs available?	Yes
If yes, are they privately or government owned?	Yes Private
Dial-up only?	No
Approximate Rates *(local currency and* *USD - $)*	Dial-up	N/A
	Broadband	$15/MB/month
Max Leasable ‘Dedicated’ Bandwidth	1GB

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

FSM Telecommunications, the only National provider has the following (approximate) coverages.

Main Islands 80%

Outer Islands 20%

They are targeting 100% within 5 years

For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website.

Company	Number of Agent Outlets by Area	Network Strength by Area	Contracted for Humanitarian or Government Cash Transfer Programmes?	Services Offered (i.e. Merchant Payment, Bulk Disbursement, Receive & Make Payment)
FSM Telecommunications	Branches in each State capital and recharge cards available in shops and hotels throughout FSM	Very strong in urban areas main islands. Weaker in rural areas and outer islands	No	N/A