World Telecommunications Day on 17 May 2019 is a chance to recognise the transformational benefits of information and communications technology.
Australia says it is working closely with the Government of Papua New Guinea to improve access to high quality, reliable and effective telecommunications services.
Earlier this year the Papua New Guinea 100 CEO Survey identified unreliable telecommunications as the top impediment to business. Reliable and effective communications are essential to allow Papua New Guinean businesses to participate in the global economy.
Australia says it is committed to working with PNG to improve telecommunications reliability and connectivity. This includes supporting the new high speed Coral Sea Cable, which will connect Port Moresby and Sydney. Due to be completed in December 2019, the cable will start being laid next month, starting in Port Moresby and heading south through the Coral Sea.
The Coral Sea Cable will significantly improve Papua New Guinea’s internet connectivity, allowing businesses to access new markets, students to harness new learning opportunities and communities to connect with each other. It is a very tangible symbol of Australia and Papua New Guinea’s enduring partnership as well as both nations’ strong commitment to growth and prosperity in the region.
The investment in the cable follows delivery of the new O3b earth station at Gerehu in November 2018, which provides high speed internet connectivity for the Port Moresby region. Australia continues to partner with Kumul Telikom Holdings, NICTA and Department of Communications and Information to support new infrastructure projects as well as to promote improved institutional and regulatory settings in the telecommunications sector.
As well as building the infrastructure, Australia is helping businesses in Papua New Guinea grow online. The TechLab virtual incubator supports Papua New Guinean entrepreneurs develop their online businesses and grow PNG’s digital economy.
Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis was pleased to note the impact of Australia’s investments in PNG on World Telecommunications Day.
He said: “Australia is delighted to partner with Papua New Guinea in delivering key nation building projects, such as the Coral Sea Cable. This work has the potential to be truly transformative and I am excited to be able to see the impact our investments are having across the Papua New Guinea”.
(The O3B satellite at Gerehu, Port Moresby)