Reducing the cost of expanding mobile coverage in Papua New Guinea is among the expected benefits of a voluntary infrastructure-sharing initiative welcomed by the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA).
The authority believes closer cooperation between telecommunications operators could make better use of existing towers and related facilities, helping companies invest more efficiently while improving connectivity for people in underserved parts of PNG.
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| PNG Mobile Network Sharing Could Cut Costs and Expand Rural Coverage |
Extending telecommunications services throughout the country requires substantial financial resources. PNG's challenging landscape, remote settlements and dispersed population make the construction and maintenance of network facilities particularly costly.
NICTA said infrastructure sharing offered a practical way for operators to limit unnecessary duplication and make existing investments work harder. Resources that would otherwise be spent on building additional facilities could instead be directed towards improving coverage, service quality and network technology.
The initiative is also being viewed as an indication that telecommunications operators are increasingly prepared to cooperate on common industry concerns and pursue solutions that benefit both businesses and consumers.
NICTA said the benefits of sharing infrastructure could extend beyond individual companies, potentially supporting stronger connectivity and more affordable services over time.
“Infrastructure sharing is a practical demonstration that telecommunications operators can work together in the broader interests of the industry and the people of Papua New Guinea. When operators share infrastructure and reduce avoidable costs, the benefits can extend beyond individual businesses to improved connectivity, wider coverage and, over time, more affordable services for consumers.”
The authority has called on participating companies to build on the initiative by identifying further opportunities to share telecommunications towers, sites, shelters, power systems and other facilities where appropriate.
NICTA said any agreements must be developed openly, with fair commercial conditions and safeguards to ensure that competition between service providers remains intact.
It also reminded operators that voluntary arrangements do not remove their obligations under PNG's telecommunications legislation, licences and regulatory framework.
The authority will continue to monitor the industry and use its statutory powers when required to protect consumer interests, maintain competition and promote responsible investment.
NICTA said the initiative was consistent with its broader goal of supporting a competitive, innovative and sustainable ICT sector that contributes to the country's digital development agenda.
By encouraging cooperation and more efficient use of infrastructure, the authority hopes operators will be better positioned to extend services into rural and remote locations where network deployment remains a major obstacle.
NICTA acknowledged the companies taking part and encouraged continued collaboration, expressing hope that the initiative would help establish a stronger culture of infrastructure sharing and investment efficiency across PNG's telecommunications industry.