Maldives being an island nation faces several challenges in service delivery owing to its geography. Currently, the government depends on two international ISPs for connectivity needs, which adds onto the recurrent costs every time expansion of services is required.

Digitalization of government service delivery and open data governance is a key priority of the Government,and there is dedicated focus to expand investments into the sector. The existing National Computer Network connects all government agencies at the central level to atoll level councils. Any connectivity beyond this to the island level or any additional links to the system, need to be met through ISPs, which is costly and not sustainable in the long term.

This project therefore looks into setting up a fully government owned fibre network to provide connectivity to all the islands. Key components:

• Development of overall concept and business model for NCN expansion Project Scope
• Detailed feasibility study for the project
• Laying of undersea fibre cable
• Establishing island landing points
• Development of the municipal fibre network