PNG cautious of geopolitical tension as it partners to build telecommunication infrastructure

The Papua New Guinea Government has considered geopolitical tension in the region as it partners with nations to build telecommunication infrastructure, says the country's  Minister for Public Enterprises and State investment William Duma.
He said this when giving an update yesterday on the Australian-financed Coral Sea submarine cable and the Kumul domestic submarine cable project funded by the Exim Bank of China.
“The risk is always there, but as a country we have systems in place to minimise them,” Duma said.
“They are inherent in everything that you do, particularly to do with communications.
“The communications industry has that issue of people playing with other systems.
“They want to check and see what others are doing and it is up to us as a country to develop systems to protect our sovereignty.” Duma said the government’s only agenda was to improve the lives of its people.
“We are not looking at being part of interfering with anyone, but to be able to make sure the country is of the same level as other communication systems globally,” he said.
“This cable would then mean our people can enjoy quality and reliable services at affordable rates, as the usage on this asset grows and the unit cost and delivery drops.”
Duma said the distribution of internet domestically would be done progressively.