Nicta, ICCC address consumer-related issues through deal

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
USERS of information and communication technology (ICT) services can now rest assured that whatever issues they may experience with ‘poor services’ delivered by service providers can be addressed by the responsible authorities.
According to National Information and Communication Technology Authority (Nicta), these issues included phone and data credits.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Nicta and the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) yesterday in Port Moresby to address consumer related issues.
Nicta chief executive officer Kila Gulo-Vui said the signed MoU was an important step in Nicta’s efforts to regulate the industry.
“Our partnership under this arrangement is for three years and it sets out very clearly our areas of cooperation,” he said.
“It involves sharing of information, expertise and resources and cooperation in the areas of mutual interest.
“Issues as you may be aware include quality of services provided by the telecommunication service providers, cost of calls, cost of internet access and voice calls, loss of credits and the like.”
ICCC commissioner and chief executive Paulus Ain said the MOU was a step in addressing the many complaints from consumers and the general public related to the ICT sector. “There has always been a missing link between us (ICCC) and Nicta in terms of where the legislation sits in addressing consumer related issues.”