Media sowing seeds of confusion: Tammur

By HARLYNE JOKU
COMMUNICATION and Information Minister Patrick Tammur assumed responsibility over the telecommunications industry yesterday and declared that the media was creating confusion over the mobile phone issue.
“The media has created confusion amongst us,” he told a meeting with representatives from Telikom PNG, Digicel, GreenCom, the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission and the PNG Radiocommunications & Telecommunications Technical Authority (Pangtel) yesterday.
“I am aware of public outcry reacting to stimulating and sensationalising articles by the media and the debate is causing nationwide confusion.
“I am confident that we are capable of finding an amicable solution to our problem through dialogue and not led by the media,” he said.
Mr Tammur assured Digicel and GreenCom that their licences would not be revoked and that they would be able to continue providing mobile telephone services.
He said that on June 21 this year, it was decided that the licences would be revoked.
However, another decision was made this month not to revoke the licences, he said.
“I repeat, no licences will be revoked,” Mr Tammur said.
“We expect the three service providers, including Telikom PNG, to partner with the Government to deliver telecommunication services.”
He said the Government also decided for Telikom to retain its monopoly on general carrier licences which include fixed lines and the international gateway.
Mr Tammur hoped that there was now a better understanding among all and they could move on with the task of providing efficient telecommunication services in PNG.
He said the ICT policy would be refined from time to time and the Government would consider the views of all parties.