PTC backs Pacific Women in Telco with exclusive sponsorship

PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco on July 31 in Nadi, Fiji, turning a long-running informal network into a formal regional platform for women and youth in Pacific telecommunications and digital infrastructure. The move adds global visibility, new funding pathways and programming ahead of PTC’27 in Hawaii.

Why it matters: - PTC’s sponsorship gives Pacific Women in Telco a formal regional platform after more than two decades of informal support for women and emerging professionals in telecommunications. - The partnership is aimed at expanding opportunities for youth and women in STEM, digital infrastructure, digital connectivity, digital transformation and emerging technologies across the Pacific. - The move also increases global visibility for a Pacific-led network focused on inclusive leadership in a sector central to regional development.

What happened: - PTC announced exclusive sponsorship of Pacific Women in Telco, also called PacificWiT, on July 31, 2026, in Nadi, Fiji. - The announcement coincided with PacificWiT’s soft launch at the Pacific Fiber Conference on July 30-31 in Nadi. - Ten students and early-career professionals received sponsorship from PTC and digital industry partners to join training and industry engagement sessions. - PTC is a global community of more than 630 members across over 75 countries and territories.

The details: - PacificWiT is a non-profit focused on advancing opportunities for youth and women across the Pacific. - PacificWiT’s work spans STEM, digital infrastructure, digital connectivity, digital transformation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing. - Tenanoia Veronica Simona, CEO of Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation, founded PacificWiT. - Anju Mangal, technical director at Cadmus Group, is also a founder of PacificWiT. - PacificWiT’s board members and co-conveners from across Pacific Island Countries will oversee governance, long-term sponsorship and program implementation. - Chanelle Zoing, PacificWiT’s director of operations and a digital project management lead at CreditBank PNG, said funding will be managed locally to support youth, women and girls in the Pacific. - Zoing said every dollar will go into education, training and capacity-building programs. - PTC said additional program development and expanded engagement will continue through 2026 ahead of PTC’27, scheduled for January 17-20, 2027, in Hawaii. - More information is available by contacting PacificWiT at PacificWiT@PTC.org. - PTC was founded in 1978 and is a non-profit membership organization focused on digital infrastructure, telecommunications and ICT, with an emphasis on the Pacific Rim. - PTC’s annual conference is held in Honolulu in January and brings together executives, technologists, investors, researchers and academicians. - More information on PTC is available at the organization’s website.

Between the lines: - The sponsorship formalizes a network that has existed for years through informal partnerships, suggesting a shift from ad hoc support to a structured regional program. - Local governance and local fund management point to an effort to keep decision-making and spending closer to Pacific communities. - The timing ahead of PTC’27 gives PacificWiT a built-in global stage to broaden partnerships and recruit more participants.

What's next: - PacificWiT will develop more programming and engagement through 2026. - PacificWiT will use the period ahead of PTC’27 to strengthen its regional presence and partnerships. - The next major milestone is PTC’27, set for Jan. 17-20, 2027, in Hawaii.