By NIDRA KEWERE MAPI
WESTERN province Governor Dr Bob Danaya has advised Telikom PNG to organise itself and face up to the challenges in the communications industry.
He said it should accept the comments of IPBC chairman Sumasi Singin and not be protective over the ICT (information, communications and technology) Policy.
He said the advice given before the country’s independence for an effective communication system for PNG did not take into account developments in the industry, such as internet and mobile phone services.
“Those who gave that mediocre advice should be hanged for what they did, considering the current problems the country is facing right now. There is no time for complacency and Telikom must now get their act together and move on with their duties.,” Dr Danaya said.
“You either have to perform to expectations, or ship out and let someone else move forward.”
Dr Danaya said people in the rural areas in particular needed to be connected.
He also expressed anger over an incident whereby his officer tried to get an appointment with the managing director of Telikom to discuss some communication issues.
“After trying for one week and failing to get an appointment, my officer went to the managing director’s office and was bluntly told to get lost.
“This is absolutely appalling business practice and will do Telikom no good at all. This is bad customer service which should be ringing alarm bells for the Government.”.
Dr Danaya said that last year, his province put up a plan to provide efficient communication services beyond the three main towns to include the LLG’s and remote areas along the border areas but Telikom failed to provide any technical input.
“There are too many bottlenecks being created and virtually nothing gets done while the people in rural areas continue to suffer,” he said.