High internet cost in PNG hinders business



Mick Nades addressing the audience during the PNG computer society seminar. Picture by RAKSY HERON

High internet cost in PNG is a hindrance to development. This was revealed by the President of Papua New Computer Society, Mick Nades in an interview with Pacific Business review, during the PNG Computer Society third quarter seminar held on 04 September 2013, at Holiday Inn, Port Moresby.

Nades when questioned on the impact information communication technology (ICT) has on business in PNG replied that ICT affects all facets human life.

“In a big way, ICT is having a tremendous impact not just in business but every facet of human life in PNG. Although we are few years behind from the Western world, we are catching up very fast”

He also said that PNG is behind the western world in terms of ICT but said he is amazed as how fast PNG is catching up with the developed countries in terms of ICT development.

All these issues can be addressed if the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country lower their internet provisions charges. Nades said “Even though big players like Telikom had promised to reduce its internet costs, it really hasn’t done much”. He also said that all other ISPs in PNG haven’t really brought the internet cost down.

Internet cost in PNG still remains high and it is almost impossible for ordinary people to access internet and use it for business or personal needs.

Nades when questioned about the currently used 2008 National ICT Policy and its effectiveness, replied “We got to do a lot better what we have now”

He also suggested that the 2008 national ICT policy be reviewed to suit today’s needs.

“The 2008 national ICT policy has been around for 5 years now and that it must be reviewed to make it more applicable to today’s ICT needs” he said.