Act aims to improve industry

THE aim of the National Information and Communications Technology Act (2009) is to ensure the ICT industry contributes meaningfully to the long-term social and economic development of Papua New Guinea, according to a cabinet minister.
Minister for Communication, Information and Technology Timothy Masiu said this would mean that in terms of overall planning, by 2030, the development strategic plan for technology would evolve.
“This development strategic plan includes 800 mobile subscribers for every 1,000 persons, 70 per cent of the population to have access to or use the internet and all Papua New Guineans to have access to digital radio and television,” Masiu said.
“Technology continues and will continue to evolve, and given the information and communication opportunities offered by radio, television, mobile and web-based platforms, we are again reminded of the importance of well-coordinated procurement and proper use and maintenance of ICT assets within the public service.
“Within these nine months, I have pushed for the formulation for the endorsement of the PNG Digital Transformation Policy which now acts as the apex policy for the ICT sector.
Masiu said he intended to introduce the Public Service Digital Transformation Bill (2020) in the next session of Parliament.
“The bill has been shared with domestic professional ICT bodies and we are working together to respond to or take their concerns into account.
“We are conducting selective consultations at this time due to the technical nature of the subject matter.”
Maisu said the bill proposes a whole-of-government approach to coordinating and standardising ICT usage within the public service.