ICT sector in PNG needs objective look by the government

Mr. Gia Huk, speaking during the 2013 ADOC workshop in Taiwan (Photo by: Ian D. Hetri)

PNG is just waking up to the sweeping force of globalization, characterised by free flow of information and other products around the world. Many have been exposed to the culture shock that is brought about by the rapidly phased, technology oriented 21^st century. It is a century that sees the ubiquitous use of information communications technology (ICT) products and services. ICT includes hardware, systems and processes for creating, storing, managing and sharing information.

Speaking during the 2013 APEC Digital Opportunity Centre (ADOC) workshop in Taiwan held on the 15 to 16^th of August 2013, the director of finance and administration of department of Prime Minister and NEC, Mr. Gia Huk said that some elements of ICT have progressed so quickly that they have changed the lives of people dramatically. Mr. Huk named some striking examples as the internet, mobile communication technologies, and innovations in broadcasting.

Pacific Business Review notes that widespread development of ICT in PNG has been hampered by a significant shortcoming in the capabilities and availability of appropriate telecommunication services from Telikom PNG. This situation has resulted from a lack of ongoing investment and maintenance of the network infrastructure over the past decade and the absence of incentives to secure and management efficiencies.

In November 2005, the Government approved a policy to introduce competition in the mobile telephone sector (the 2005 mobile competition policy). Under this policy, two new mobile licenses were to be issued with a view to introducing network based mobile competition by March 2007.

In September 2006, the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) announced the results of the tender process and in March 2007 issued licences to Digicel (PNG) Limited and Green Communications Limited (Greencom).

The commendable action by the government to create policies to encourage competition to reduce the cost of mobile telephone sector was a great relief to many businesses and individuals in PNG. However, there are challenges that persist in creating regulatory policy mechanism to foster transparency and efficiency in the mobile telephone sector. One such initiative taken by the government is the formulation of the ICT policy in 2008. The National ICT Policy was approved by the National Government of Papua New Guinea. The Government’s ICT Policy has 7 key objectives listed;

1.      Secure the social and economic benefits of an efficient ICT sector

2.      PNG must have an efficient ICT infrastructure as the backbone of ICT policy with the use of technology appropriate to circumstance of PNG

3.      The Government aims to substantially increase to basic telecommunications services across PNG with service to be available at affordable prices.

4.      It is critical to have transformed and efficient Telikom PNG

5.      PNG will enjoy effective and sustainable competition to deliver market discipline and economic benefits.

6.      The Government seeks improved international capacity and connectivity to help PNG to truly become part of International Community.

7.      The Government aims to secure the benefits that can flow from increased availability and use of the internet.

A critical look at the outcomes of the 2008 ICT policy reveals a saddening result. Nothing much has been achieved in terms of the ICT development in PNG.   However, the mass has taken upon itself to embrace the technological evolution despite the poor telecommunication infrastructure provided by the government. The honours is upon the current government to objectively look at its 2008 ICT policies and make it more workable that would produce tangible results in the ICT sector.

The policies should open doors for greater private-public collaboration as well as collaboration with appropriate international ICT players.