Papua New Guinea’s major telecommunications operators say new investment models and shared infrastructure will be essential to expand affordable broadband services into the country’s most remote districts. The message was delivered during a high-level panel discussion that examined how PNG can strengthen the resilience of its digital networks.
Representatives from Digicel, Vodafone and Telikom PNG outlined how a combination of fibre links, towers and satellite systems remains the backbone of any effort to reach the “last mile,” particularly in isolated terrain. Digicel’s Tarik Boudiaf said the industry is already covering up to 85 per cent of the population, but accessing the remaining pockets requires new methods.
He emphasised the potential of satellite technologies and more flexible infrastructure arrangements to support outreach to communities still without service. Vodafone Chief Strategy Officer Ronald Prasad added that the adoption of SD-WAN and Low Earth Orbit satellites could cut deployment costs and improve reliability for rural users.
The discussion also highlighted the value of operators, banks and government agencies sharing towers, fibre and backhaul to ease capital pressures. Telikom PNG’s Strategic Marketing and Products Manager said collaborative planning, regulatory cooperation and modern business models are now shaping the next phase of growth.
Pilot projects are underway across several regions, with telecommunications leaders expressing confidence in what they described as a combined approach of technology, partnership and investment to close the digital divide and “future-proof critical communications infrastructure.”
Also read