Access to internet to improve: PM

 By MALUM NALU

THE country will have a world-class internet service by the end of this year, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says.

He visited Telikom PNG’s Ela Beach Exchange yesterday where he was given an update on the progress of the National Broadband Network programme, which is expected to deliver faster and more reliable fixed and mobile broadband access in the country.

Telikom in July 2013 signed a US$203 million (K630m) contract to partner with Huawei in providing the national broadband network designed to provide new services such as e-health, e-education, digital TV and e-Government applications.

It also provides a backbone for fixed and mobile broadband services in the country.

“It goes to show what we can achieve if we put our minds to it,” O’Neill said.

“Of course Telikom has a long story of ups-and-downs. But today, you can see the good investment that our Government is making with the support of the Exim Bank of China, and Huawei.

“We are able to transform our telecommunications company into one that is very competitive in the market place.

“The introduction of 4G technology is going to lift the revenues, and of course, the performance of the company.”

O’Neill said the hi-tech equipment being installed showed what PNG could expect by way of communication services.

“It’s going to provide fast, more efficient and less costly telecommunication services throughout the country,” he said.