The Fundasaun Hadomi Timor (FHT) report is an analytical study on Timor-Leste’s digital landscape, focusing on challenges and opportunities in infrastructure and legal frameworks. The report highlights significant progress, particularly with the ongoing submarine fiber optic cable project, which is expected to provide high-speed internet by 2025. This project is anticipated to boost economic and social development.

Despite this progress, several key challenges remain. The report notes that 54.2% of the population are active internet users, but internet costs are high, and speeds are slow. A significant digital divide exists between urban and rural areas, with marginalized groups facing barriers to digital participation. The lack of digital literacy is a major obstacle, especially for rural communities and vulnerable groups. FHT recommends that the Ministry of Education integrate digital literacy into the national curriculum.

The report also identifies a lack of legal protection for digital rights, data privacy, and security. Telecom operators are criticized for prioritizing profits over customer safety, with citizens vulnerable to identity theft and financial fraud. The absence of a comprehensive legal framework to combat cybercrime and online misinformation worsens this situation. FHT urges the government to approve cybercrime and data protection laws quickly.

The report concludes with strategic recommendations for Timor-Leste’s digital development. It calls for the submarine cable project to cover all areas, especially neglected rural regions. FHT also advocates for alternative solutions like Starlink to improve connectivity in remote areas and urges the government to manage the project to benefit the people with affordable, fast internet. Collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector is recommended to drive innovation and expand digital services.

Download, Timor-Leste Digital Landscape Report 2024