Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Lost in the middle of the Pacific, scattered across hundreds of islands, the Solomon Islands archipelago is one of those places where you quickly imagine yourself cut off from the rest of the world. However, with subsea cables, satellites, advancing 4G, social networks ubiquitous in Honiara, and VoIP apps designed for low bandwidth, it has never been more realistic to stay in touch with family and friends… provided you understand the local landscape.
To stay connected from the Solomon Islands, you need to consider mobile networks, internet, satellite, international calling, and messaging. Nearly 75% of the population lives in rural areas, which implies specific technical constraints and requires an understanding of local cultural codes.
Understanding the Digital Landscape of the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands comprise over 900 islands, with around 844,000 inhabitants in 2025, of which approximately 73% live in rural areas and the median age is 20.7 years. In other words, it’s a young population, very scattered, presenting a constant challenge to get a signal out to the villages.
An Archipelago Long Isolated, Now Connecting by Sea… and Sky
Until 2019, the country relied almost entirely on expensive, slow international satellite links. The commissioning of the Coral Sea Cable System (CS2), a 4,700 km subsea cable linking the Solomon Islands to Papua New Guinea and Australia, changed the game. This cable has a capacity of up to 20 Tb/s, even if the country only uses a small fraction of it for now.
The number of main localities connected by the new ICN2S domestic submarine fiber network in the Solomon Islands.
In summary: in some urban centers, the connection is looking more and more like what we’re used to elsewhere. But as soon as you move away, especially to the outer islands, satellite remains the backbone of connectivity.
Who Provides the Network On-Site?
Two major mobile operators dominate the Solomon Islands: Our Telekom (Solomon Telekom Co Ltd), present in nine provinces, and Bmobile-Vodafone (Bemobile Solomon Islands Ltd), active in four provinces. Alongside them, specialized ISPs like SATSOL or Starlink complete the landscape.
A look at the internet market share illustrates the weight of the players:
| Provider / Operator | Estimated Internet Market Share |
|---|---|
| Solomon Telekom Co Ltd (Our Telekom) | 82 % |
| SpaceX Starlink | 13 % |
| SATSOL LIMITED | 3 % |
| Bemobile Solomon Islands Ltd | 1 % |
Our Telekom and Bmobile provide 2G/3G/4G, while SATSOL and Starlink rely on satellite to serve remote areas. Starlink, officially authorized in 2024, for example offers a hardware kit for around 3,000 SBD (approx. $375 USD) and a monthly subscription of about 424 SBD (close to $53 USD), for speeds between 50 and 150 Mb/s – far from the reality for a large part of the population, but already a revolution for businesses, NGOs, or families who can afford it.
What is the State of Mobile and Internet Coverage?
To stay in touch, it’s primarily the mobile phone that serves as the gateway to the world. And the figures show rapid progress.
| Indicator (End of 2025) | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Active mobile connections | 567,000 |
| Mobile penetration rate | 67.2% of the population |
| Share of 3G/4G/5G connections | 85.9% of mobile connections |
| Internet users | 358,000 |
| Internet penetration rate | 42.5% of the population |
| Social media users | 205,000 |
| Share of population on social media | 24.3% |
Regarding mobile radio coverage: around 95% of the population is covered by 2G, nearly 85% by 3G, but only about one-third by 4G, with 5G practically non-existent. In other words, in major cities and some provincial centers, you can absolutely make video calls. In many villages, you still depend on sometimes unstable 3G, or even 2G or community access points.
Total number of mobile towers planned under the SINBIP project to improve telecommunications infrastructure in the Solomon Islands.
Calling, Writing, Sharing: The Basic Tools from the Solomon Islands
Once the scene is set, the next step is choosing the right tools to talk to your family, send photos, or give news in case of a cyclone. The best strategy often involves combining several solutions: local mobile network, internet messaging, international VoIP services, and even satellite in some cases.
Telecom Basics to Know
For standard calls, the country uses the international dialing code +677. Landline numbers have five digits, mobile numbers seven digits. Prefixes often indicate the operator: numbers starting with 7xx xxxx belong to Our Telekom, those starting with 8xx xxxx to Bmobile.
The network is a standard GSM system: any unlocked GSM/3G/4G compatible phone will work by purchasing a local SIM card. This remains the easiest way to communicate on-site (calls/SMS) and connect to the internet when coverage allows.
In 2023, the Solomon Islands had one of the world’s most expensive fixed internet connections (~$458 USD/month) and very expensive mobile data (~$7 USD/GB). Although the submarine cable increased data volumes for the same price in connected areas, access remains a luxury, especially in rural settings.
Messaging and Social Media: The Backbone of Contacts
Despite these obstacles, social networks and messaging apps have become central for family exchanges. By the end of 2025, about 205,000 people – nearly a quarter of the population – had an account on at least one social platform.
Facebook dominates widely, with a similar penetration rate (205,000 users) and more than 57% of internet users using it. Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Telegram complete the picture. Many family exchanges happen via:
– Facebook (including community groups like the famous “Yumi Toktok Forum,” which sometimes replicates a village market in digital form);
– Messenger and WhatsApp for voice, video, and messages;
– TikTok and Instagram for sharing daily moments, especially among younger people.
If you are visiting or living as an expatriate in the Solomon Islands, in practice, this is where you will most easily keep in touch with your loved ones: Messenger or WhatsApp video calls when 4G allows, voice messages, and compressed photos the rest of the time.
The Technical Challenges of Calls and Video on Low Bandwidth
In most countries, we no longer worry much about bandwidth for a video call. In an archipelago where 4G is far from universal, it’s another story. Low-bandwidth environments result in:
Video calls can be disrupted by several technical issues: video becoming pixelated, blurry, or freezing completely; choppy audio, desynchronized from the image, or inaudible; high latency creating an awkward delay in conversation; and untimely disconnections, often related to internet connection degradation (weather) or bandwidth saturation (ongoing downloads).
To maintain an acceptable connection, some technical benchmarks help choose the right settings.
| Type of Communication | Recommended Speed (Upload / Download) |
|---|---|
| Audio only (voice) | ≈ 100 kb/s |
| Standard definition (SD) video call | 1–2 Mb/s |
| HD video call (720p) | 3–5 Mb/s |
| Full HD video call (1080p) | 5–10 Mb/s |
| Small group video call (3–5 people) | 10–15 Mb/s download, 5–7 Mb/s upload |
| Large group (6–10 people) | 20–25 Mb/s download, 8–10 Mb/s upload |
In a large part of the Solomon Islands, you will often be well below these levels. Therefore, you need to adapt your practices:
– prioritize audio calls over video, especially in rural areas;
– reduce video resolution (480p, or even less) when you turn on the camera;
– close all background apps consuming data (streaming, downloads, automatic updates);
– avoid large Zoom or Teams conferences from villages, favoring WhatsApp voice messages, emails, or short one-on-one video calls.
Platforms like Zoom or Teams have their own recommendations: Zoom, for example, mentions 2.6 Mb/s for receiving and 1.8 Mb/s for sending for 720p, and 3.8/3 Mb/s for 1080p. This gives you an idea of the gap with an overloaded 3G network on a remote island.
When the Mobile Network Isn’t Enough: Satellite and Hybrid Solutions
The other reality of the Solomon Islands are the dead zones. Entire villages remain digitally isolated, or very poorly served. For those who absolutely must stay reachable – sailors, hikers, NGOs, researchers, residents of the most remote islands – satellite solutions then become the only guarantee of communication.
Satellite Phones: The Global Lifeline
Unlike standard mobile phones, satellite phones communicate directly with orbiting satellites, without relying on ground towers. This allows you to make calls or send SMS from an isolated beach, a boat, or a distant island where no GSM network is available.
Several constellations coexist, but for the Solomon Islands, two players are key:
Iridium, with its constellation of 66 low-earth orbit satellites, offers truly global coverage, including polar regions, making it the safest network for travel across the Pacific or between different regions. Inmarsat, relying on geostationary satellites, covers about 90% of the globe but excludes the poles. Although the Solomon Islands are within its zone, the need for a direct line of sight to the satellite above the equator can make the connection fragile in areas with terrain or dense vegetation.
Satellite coverage in the South Pacific – Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and thus the Solomon Islands – is generally considered excellent, with uninterrupted service as soon as the sky is clear.
Satellite phones generally offer:
– voice calls and SMS anywhere with a clear view of the sky;
– very robust construction (water, dust, shock resistant);
– SOS functions with a dedicated button and GPS location;
– sometimes limited data capabilities (simple emails, messages, weather, but not classic web surfing).
Details on investments and recurring fees for using a satellite terminal
Between $300 USD and over $1,450 USD for purchase. Rental is recommended for short-term missions.
Starts around $40–50 USD per month.
The communication cost often hovers around $1 per minute.
Satellite Messengers: Lighter, Cheaper, but Without Voice
For many travelers or rural residents, compact satellite messengers like Garmin inReach represent a good compromise: they allow sending and receiving short texts, sharing your GPS position, and activating a global SOS, also using the Iridium network.
Some iconic models:
– Garmin inReach Messenger or Mini 2: small, light, with two-way messaging, SOS, GPS tracking, and possible connection to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
– ICOM IC-SAT100: push-to-talk (PTT) type terminal, which works like a satellite walkie-talkie.
They are cheaper to buy and subscribe to than full-fledged satellite phones, but do not allow making standard voice calls. For simply reassuring family with messages, confirming arrival on an island, or giving a GPS point in an emergency, it’s often more than enough.
Smartphone Integration: Satellite SOS on iPhone, Pixel, Galaxy
Major smartphone manufacturers are also starting to integrate satellite SOS functions into some recent models:
Main satellite communication offerings available on recent smartphones from major manufacturers.
iPhone 14 and later models: Emergency SOS, location sharing in Find My, and two-way satellite messaging via a partnership with Globalstar. Features available in covered regions.
Pixel 9 and later models: offers emergency SOS and satellite messaging functions.
Galaxy S24/S25, Z Flip6 and Fold6: integrate SOS and satellite message functions. Availability may depend on mobile carriers.
These services do not replace a full satellite phone: they are primarily for emergencies and limited messaging. But if you travel to the Solomon Islands with a compatible model and your area is covered, it adds a valuable layer of security when the mobile network disappears.
Starlink and VSAT: Connecting the Home or the Entire Village
Beyond personal communication, some families, businesses, or communities equip themselves outright with a Starlink dish or VSAT managed by players like SATSOL or Kacific. In this case, the entire household, or even the whole village, switches to high-speed internet (50–150 Mb/s for Starlink) and can then use WhatsApp, Messenger, email, video calls, streaming TV, etc.
The cost – several hundred dollars for the kit, about fifty USD per month – remains prohibitive for the majority of households, but the price drop compared to old geostationary satellite opens new possibilities for schools, clinics, NGOs, or organized communities.
Calling Abroad from the Solomon Islands: VoIP, Calling Apps, Operators
When it comes to calling a loved one back in Europe or North America, there are two paths: using a VoIP service via the Internet (app on smartphone) or going through the international offerings of your operator (or that of the person you’re calling).
International Calling Apps: Yolla, TELZ, KeepCalling
A family remaining in France or Canada can use services like Yolla, TELZ, or KeepCalling to call the landline or mobile number of a loved one in the Solomon Islands at rates often lower than those of their original operator.
These services operate on a simple principle: the user purchases credit, places calls via an app or a local access number, and the service relays the call to the recipient. The recipient does not need to have the app to receive the call.
Let’s take three examples from the rate tables:
| Service | Destination Device | Rates to Solomon Islands* | Main Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yolla | Landline + mobile | ≈ $1.10 USD/min | No connection fees, SMS and mobile top-ups |
| TELZ | Landline / mobile | e.g., 0.557 CHF or 0.533 £ / min (equiv.) | Credit with no expiration, “crystal-clear” VoIP |
| KeepCalling | Landline / mobile (global) | Variable rates by country (e.g., Japan 2.1¢–4.3¢/min) | Prepaid credit, 24/7 customer service |
Exact rates vary by currency and period but remain relatively high to the Solomon Islands compared to other destinations.
To call abroad from Russia, you can use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Viber via a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi, 4G, Starlink). This solution, widely used by residents, is more flexible in data consumption and does not require purchasing additional phone credit.
International Mobile Operator Offers: Example of Stateside International
For loved ones living, for example, in the United States with a T-Mobile plan, the “Stateside International” option can reduce the cost of calls to the Solomon Islands: without the option, the rate goes up to $5 USD/minute, and drops to about $1.49/minute with this option, for both landline and mobile. It’s not cheap, but it’s already much less prohibitive than a $5 per minute bill.
In a context where mobile internet is not always reliable, these “old-school” solutions retain some relevance, especially for families not comfortable with messaging apps.
The Postal Service, Still There for Long-Distance Ties
Staying in contact isn’t just about voice or image. Many families continue to exchange letters, packages, gifts, or official documents by mail.
Solomon Post: A National Network, Despite the Geography
The Solomon Islands Postal Corporation (Solomon Post), created by the 1996 Act, claims about 85% national coverage, with ten post offices spread across the country and over 50 employees. Its services range from standard mail to parcels, including money transfer or exchange solutions.
For urgent international shipments, Solomon Post uses the Express Mail Service (EMS) network. This service offers a tracking number, compensation in case of loss or damage (usually up to $60 USD), and reasonable delivery times. However, delays can be affected by maritime logistics and customs procedures, which remain unpredictable.
For heavier or bulkier exchanges, international parcel services (air or sea) allow shipping up to 20 kg, with tracking and proof of delivery.
What to Know Before Sending or Receiving a Package
As elsewhere in the world, some products are restricted or prohibited from import: medications, certain pesticides, used clothing for sale, etc. Others require a certificate (fumigation for personal used clothing, sanitary certificate, etc.). Packages must be accompanied by a customs declaration, and it is up to both the sender and recipient to check for any duties and taxes.
Several carriers, including DHL eCommerce, NEX, Interparcel, or Ausff, offer shipping services from Europe, Australia, or the United States. Delivery times range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the chosen mode of transport: air express, standard, or economy by sea.
In this context, the postal service and private logistics providers remain an important link for maintaining a material connection: photo albums, books, clothes, essential goods, etc., still circulate a lot by package, complementing digital exchanges.
Cultural Codes: Staying in Contact Also Means Communicating Well
Being reachable is one thing. Communicating in a respectful and effective manner within a specific cultural context is another. In the Solomon Islands, social life is structured by notions like kastom and wantok (“one talk”/same language group), which go far beyond simple information exchange.
Languages and Registers: English Isn’t Everything
English is the official language, used in administration, politics, and part of the professional world. But the language of daily life is Pijin (Solomon Islands Pijin), an English-based creole mixed with local vocabulary and, sometimes, Spanish influences. There are also nearly 70 indigenous languages.
To keep in touch with loved ones on-site, playing along with Pijin can strengthen bonds. A few common expressions:
| Situation | Pijin | Approximate Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | « Gud de » | Hello / Good day |
| Asking how someone is | « Yu orait? » / « Yu stap hao? » | How are you? / How’s it going? |
| Saying goodbye | « Lukim yu » | See you later / Catch you later |
| Wishing well | « Go gud » | Take care |
Young people often naturally juggle between Pijin and English, depending on the context. With elders or in more formal situations, a more respectful tone, complete greetings, and sometimes titles (“Mister,” “Miss” followed by the surname) are often preferred.
Respect, Silence, Storytelling: Ways of Speaking That Matter
Local culture deeply values respect, modesty, and group harmony. In daily communication, this translates to:
In exchanges, it is advisable to adopt a certain restraint on sensitive topics, as disagreements are often expressed indirectly. It is also important to leave ample room for silence and pauses, especially with elders, as thinking time is perceived positively, not as awkward silence. Finally, place paramount importance on listening, avoiding interruptions, and letting everyone finish their story.
The tradition of storytelling, sharing personal stories or legends, remains very strong. Even at a distance, by phone or voice message, taking the time to tell and listen to slices of life can carry more weight than simple functional exchanges.
Gesture, Space, Modesty: What Technology Doesn’t Show
Digital tools easily erase body language. Yet, in the Solomon Islands, a lot is also conveyed through gestures, looks, and posture. You can take this into account in your messages and video calls by being attentive to:
To interact appropriately, it is advisable to avoid attitudes perceived as aggressive or too direct. It is also important to respect modesty in conversations, especially regarding topics related to intimacy, family conflicts, or sensitive political issues. Finally, keep in mind that public displays of affection are rare: content shared on social media may be interpreted differently than in the West.
Even at a distance, you can adapt your tone and vocabulary to respect these nuances, for example by expressing disagreements cautiously, allowing response time, or avoiding publicly putting someone in a difficult position on local social networks.
Staying in Contact During a Crisis or Disaster
The Solomon Islands are among the countries most exposed to disaster risk in the world (just behind Vanuatu according to the 2021 index), facing cyclones, tsunamis, floods, and droughts. During these times, the ability to communicate becomes vital, both to reassure loved ones and to coordinate aid.
Alert Systems and Emergency Networks
The country is gradually equipping itself with crisis communication tools:
Key initiatives to improve disaster preparedness and response, in collaboration with the NDMO and international partners.
A mobile center equipped with HF/VHF radios and a traveling office was handed over to the government to enable the NDMO to deploy quickly on the ground.
A system being implemented to send alerts to all phones in an area, without the need for data or a SIM card, via operators Our Telekom and Bmobile.
Specialized training organized by the Pacific Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), led by WFP, to strengthen national response teams.
For a resident or visitor, this means that in case of a tsunami or cyclone, notifications on the phone – even without credit or a data plan – become a key channel. Provided you have a charged phone and at least some network.
How to Prepare, at Your Level, to Stay Reachable in a Crisis
Without trying to replicate a full crisis management plan, a few concrete reflexes help not to lose contact with your family during an extreme event:
On remote islands, plan for a self-sufficient power source (solar battery, power bank). Identify the village’s high points for the best mobile signal to send a quick SMS after an alert. If possible, equip yourself with a satellite messenger (like inReach) to send an SOS even if networks fail. Agree in advance with your relatives abroad on a simple protocol (like an “OK” SMS or an emoji) to limit data consumption in the first hours.
Again, understanding bandwidth constraints is useful: in an environment saturated with calls, an SMS or a short message via an inReach often has a much better chance of getting through than a long video call.
Concretely Optimizing Your Daily Communications
Between the theory of bandwidth and the reality of a finicky 3G connection, there is still a step to take: that of the small settings that make a difference.
Making the Most of a Fragile Network
A few simple actions can improve call quality from the Solomon Islands:
To ensure the best quality for a video call, connect via Wi-Fi rather than 3G/4G. Position yourself near the router, avoid obstacles, and choose the 5 GHz band for speed or 2.4 GHz for range. Close unnecessary apps (videos, downloads). If audio becomes problematic, turn off the camera. On Zoom, Teams, or Meet, disable HD and reduce resolution. Finally, test your bandwidth before an important call to adjust your expectations (video, audio, duration).
In many localities, the best solution is to schedule Internet calls for times when the network is less congested (early morning, late evening), to avoid peak usage.
Think “Asynchronous” Rather Than All Real-Time
In a limited bandwidth context, not everything needs to be “real-time.” You can perfectly combine:
To stay in touch during travel in an area with limited or intermittent internet connection, prioritize asynchronous and lightweight communication methods. Send short voice messages via WhatsApp or Messenger when the network is available, for your loved ones to listen to later. Write detailed emails offline and schedule their sending as soon as the connection is restored. To share visual memories, opt for a limited number of compressed photos rather than sending entire albums in high definition, which consumes a lot of bandwidth.
The key is to distinguish what absolutely must be synchronous (an important call, an emergency) from what can be done asynchronously (telling about your week, sending news about the kids, sharing photos).
Staying Connected Is Also a Matter of Choice and Priorities
Staying in contact from the Solomon Islands is neither impossible nor trivial. It all depends on where you live or stay (Honiara is not an isolated outer island), financial means (a Starlink dish is not in the same league as a simple prepaid SIM), and level of expectation (streaming a soccer match is not the same as sending a reassuring SMS).
We can summarize the main points as follows:
To maintain contact with France from the Solomon Islands, it is advisable to adapt your communication methods according to your location: in urban centers, prioritize a local SIM card with 3G/4G for VoIP and social networks; in villages with limited coverage, rely on SMS, standard voice calls, and planned Internet sessions; on islands without network or at sea, consider satellite equipment for emergencies; and for sending packages, continue to use Solomon Post and international carriers while checking customs formalities.
In the background, the Solomon Islands government has a clear vision in its National ICT Policy: to ensure that information technologies are accessible, affordable, and open to all, for a “peaceful, united, and progressive” country. Between 4G towers, subsea cables, Starlink license, and community projects, this ambition is gradually taking shape on the ground.
While waiting for a real improvement in connectivity between Honiara and the outer islands, residents use alternative solutions: phone credit serves as a means of exchange, community radios and internet access points in schools are essential, and videos are shared via messaging when the connection allows. To maintain the connection, you must accept this reality, adapt your tools and expectations, and be patient and inventive.
Because beyond cables, satellites, and plans, staying in contact from the Solomon Islands remains first and foremost a matter of human relationships, respect for kastom, and that fabric of solidarity so well summarized by the word wantok – those “people of the same talk” with whom, despite distance and technical constraints, we continue to share news, stories… and a sense of common belonging.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
