Nauru

ETC Activities

The ETC is not activated in Nauru. The ETC is focused on preparedness activities in Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) project, led by WFP.

Nauru, the world’s third smallest country by land area, is a single island nation in the central Pacific Ocean with a total area of just 21 km² and a coastline of 30 km. Despite its small size, Nauru is the most densely populated country in Oceania, with limited land for agriculture, infrastructure, or relocation in the face of climate threats. The country’s geographic isolation and economic dependence on external aid and phosphate mining make it particularly vulnerable to environmental and economic shocks.

Nauru faces increasing risks from climate change, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events such as droughts and king tides. These hazards threaten freshwater availability, food security, and critical infrastructure, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. The country’s limited natural resources and high reliance on imports further compound its vulnerability. To address these challenges, Nauru has adopted national strategies such as the National Framework for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and the Nauru Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS These frameworks aim to strengthen resilience through integrated planning, sustainable resource management, and improved disaster preparedness.

Telecommunications infrastructure in Nauru is being developed under the National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025–2030, which aims to expand high-speed broadband networks across the country. The government, through its Department of ICT, is investing in resilient internet and network systems to support public services, schools, and health clinics, with a focus on secure data transfer and integrated e-government solutions.

The National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) leads and coordinates all emergency response activities.

ICT Profile

Country background
Country name
Nauru
Capital city
No official capital, but government offices are located in the Yaren District.
Name of national disaster management agency

Department of National Emergency Services (NES) is the key agency responsible for disaster response and coordination in the country.

Name of telecommunications ministry

Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT). This ministry oversees the Department of ICT, which is responsible for all government communications and information systems.

Name of telecommunications regulator

Nauru Communications Authority. It was established under the Communications and Broadcasting Act 2018. 

Population

12,025

Country narrative

The ETC is not activated in Nauru. The ETC is focused on preparedness activities in Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) project, led by WFP.

Nauru, the world’s third smallest country by land area, is a single island nation in the central Pacific Ocean with a total area of just 21 km² and a coastline of 30 km. Despite its small size, Nauru is the most densely populated country in Oceania, with limited land for agriculture, infrastructure, or relocation in the face of climate threats. The country’s geographic isolation and economic dependence on external aid and phosphate mining make it particularly vulnerable to environmental and economic shocks.

Nauru faces increasing risks from climate change, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events such as droughts and king tides. These hazards threaten freshwater availability, food security, and critical infrastructure, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. The country’s limited natural resources and high reliance on imports further compound its vulnerability. To address these challenges, Nauru has adopted national strategies such as the National Framework for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and the Nauru Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS These frameworks aim to strengthen resilience through integrated planning, sustainable resource management, and improved disaster preparedness.

Telecommunications infrastructure in Nauru is being developed under the National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025–2030, which aims to expand high-speed broadband networks across the country. The government, through its Department of ICT, is investing in resilient internet and network systems to support public services, schools, and health clinics, with a focus on secure data transfer and integrated e-government solutions.

The National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) leads and coordinates all emergency response activities.

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Key ICT statistics
Fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

0

Mobile-cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

87

Fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

9.96

Mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

87

GSMA mobile connectivity index score

52.6%

3G coverage % of population

98%

Regulations and rules
Regolations/Rules
Type of regulation
Disaster management
Policy name

National Disaster Risk Management Act 2016

Description

-This is the primary legal framework for disaster management in Nauru. Key features include:
1. Establishment of the National Disaster Risk Management Council (NDRMC) to advise the Cabinet.
2. Declaration of a State of Disaster under Section 26, allowing for emergency powers and coordination.
Guiding principles include:
1. Risk reduction;
2. Community engagement;
3. Coordination between government and stakeholders; and 
4. Integration with sustainable development goals.

Type of regulation
Telecommunications
Policy name

Communications and Broadcasting Act 2018

Description

-This is the primary legislation governing telecommunications in Nauru. It replaced the 2017 Act and established the Nauru Communications Authority. Key highlights include:
1. Licensing & Regulation: All service providers must be licensed. The Authority can set tariffs and enforce compliance.
2. Spectrum Management: The Authority manages radio frequencies and resolves interference issues.
3. Consumer Protection: Ensures confidentiality, fair pricing, and service quality.
4. Infrastructure Access: Grants providers rights to access property for installing telecom infrastructure.
5. Emergency Provisions: Special powers during national emergencies.
6. Content Regulation: Includes standards for broadcasting and internet content filtering (e.g., child protection).

Type of regulation
UAV
Policy name

No Formal Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Regulations

Description

-According to the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO), drone operations are not formally regulated in Nauru.
In the absence of national laws, operators are advised to follow International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, especially the ICAO UAS Toolkit.
ICAO Recommendations (Applied in Nauru)
1. Operators should adhere to the following general rules:
2. Keep drones within visual line of sight.
3. Avoid flying above 150 meters (490 feet).
4. Do not fly within 50 meters of people, vehicles, or property.
5. Stay at least 8 km (5 miles) away from airports.
Obtain a permit if:
1. The drone weighs more than 25 kg.
2. It is used for commercial or research purposes.

Communications service providers
Mobile network operator (MNO)
Company name
Digicel (Telstra) Pacific
GSMA HCC signatory
No
Parent company name (majority holding)
Telstra
Service description
Provides GSM, 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services to 99% of the country via mobile data, Wi-Fi routers, and VSAT. Fibre-optic connectivity is planned for 2025.
Coverage map (provide URL)
-https://www.gsma.com/coverage/#2070
Mobile money service available
No
Fibre optic network
No
Voice and SMS services
Yes
3G/4G data services
Yes
Internet service provider (ISP)
Company name
Digicel (Telstra) Pacific
Service description
Provides GSM, 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE services to 99% of the country via mobile data, Wi-Fi routers, and VSAT. Fibre-optic connectivity is planned for 2025.
Fibre optic network
Yes
Broadcast radio
Country name
Nauru
Radio station name
Radio Nauru
Official public broadcaster
Yes
Service description
Radio Nauru provides local news and announcements; traditional and modern music; cultural programming and rebroadcasts from Radio Australia and the BBC.
Band
AM / FM
Broadcast frequency
88 Mhz FM and 1323 AM
Geographical reach
Nationwide, though signal strength has historically varied across the island.
Website
http://radionauru.nr