Starlink has been granted a five-year operator license by the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), enabling the company to deploy and operate its satellite network across Papua New Guinea. This announcement was made by Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Timothy Masiu, during a press briefing held in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, on January 1, 2024.
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| Starlink Secures Five-Year License to Launch Satellite Services in Papua New Guinea |
Under the terms of the newly approved license, Starlink will be able to provide its satellite internet services in the country, with the stipulation that the company adheres to the regulatory requirements set by NICTA. The decision follows a thorough public consultation process in which NICTA evaluated the potential impact of Starlink’s operations on the nation’s telecommunications landscape.
Minister Masiu highlighted the significance of the approval, noting that Starlink's services have the potential to improve broadband connectivity, particularly in the country’s more remote and rural regions. He emphasized that this decision would help accelerate the roll-out of broadband internet services in line with the government’s Universal Access and Digital Transformation Policy.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by many areas of Papua New Guinea in accessing reliable internet, particularly due to geographical barriers and lack of infrastructure, Masiu expressed confidence that Starlink's introduction would boost competition in the telecom sector and assist in meeting the government's goals for universal access to affordable, high-quality ICT services.
The operator license officially came into effect on January 1, 2024, marking a significant move towards improving internet access across Papua New Guinea.
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