Papua New Guinea lacks affordable internet access. This stops banking customers in rural areas in PNG from using online banking services, according to the Bank South Pacific Financial Group Limited (BSP).
BSP group general manager retail Daniel Faunt said access to the internet promoted financial inclusion in rural areas.
He urged the Government to address the internet issue.
“We are doing our part in (charging) affordable fees and rates, as well as issuing loans,” he said.
“But to reach rural communities with our online services will need Government (intervention).”
Faunt said BSP worked closely with Digicel on internet issues.
“But we need investments (to secure) affordable access to phone cards and internet megabits for customers,” he added.
Faunt said BSP wanted to offer affordable electronic platforms for the convenience of customers.
“Mobile banking for example is charged 25 toea to 50 toea – less than what one has to pay for bus fare,” he said. “Our priority (is) for our customers to be able to register or do transactions online without too much cost.”
Faunt said users contributed up to 17 million digital transactions annually. “We also want to make sure that people do not rely on branches as there are long queues and other circumstances that may hinder progress,” he said.
“Our branches in Mendi and Pogera have closed due to law and order issues beyond our control. But online access would (assist) consumers.”
Statement/TheNational/#TechPacific
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