DIGICEL PNG Ltd warned yesterday that its users will suffer Telikom’s congestion problems, poor quality of service and increased call rates once it is forced to use Telikom’s international gateway.
Because Digicel currently operates its own global gateway as provided for in its licence, it continues to offer its customers very competitive international rates, simple rate structure and a world-class quality of service.
This was disclosed yesterday by Digicel chief executive Kevin O’Sullivan in a statement, as he also revealed a Government plan to shut down the telco’s international gateway and force it to use Telikom’s international backbone.
An international gateway is the part of a telecom network that allows a person to make and receive international calls and connects them to the rest of the world.
Mr O’Sullivan said Digicel would be forced to increase its retail prices for international calls should it be forced to use Telikom’s international gateway.
He explained that every time a Digicel subscriber makes a call, Digicel would pay certain tariff to Telikom for the use of its network and the cost would normally be passed on to the users.
Because of this, Mr O’Sullivan warned that any proposal to shut down Digicel’s international gateway would have disastrous consequences for Papua New Guinea.
“Customers will also be prevented from internationally roaming or making or receiving international text messages,” Mr O’Sullivan pointed out.
Digicel said that following discussions with the Minister of Communications and Information Patrick Tammur, Digicel was willing to offer Telikom access to its international gateway as a backup.
This will lead to reduced congestion and increased revenues for Telikom.
This was a real solution for the industry and all cell phone customers, while also providing PNG with a crucial alternative link to the rest of the world, Mr O’Sullivan said.
Telikom, however, said that it had more than enough capacity to cater for all international traffic generated in PNG.
It was not at all likely that there would be either congestion or an increase in the cost of international calls when traffic reverts to the Telikom international gateway, as required by all licence conditions.
However, Mr O’Sullivan said Digicel and Telikom were trying to resolve the issue on access to Telikom’s international gateway.