Alotau DDA first to connect to new cable

The Alotau District Development Authority in Milne Bay is the first entity to be connected to high-speed internet through the Kumul Submarine Cable Network (KSCN) under PNG DataCo’s customer cervices responsibility initiative.
The DDA signed up and is benefiting from end to end fibre connectivity to the internet and can now enjoy fast and stable internet connectivity through which they can access information, communicate effectively and run their operations more efficiently.
This access now provides immense opportunities for the DDA to be innovative and embrace e-government applications and services in how Government services are delivered to people back in the districts.
While the Government is now introducing e-government applications and services in Port Moresby, the challenge is making those services available to the districts.
Some government initiatives that can also benefit from this network is NID, the integrated finance management system, Government pay system and the integrated government information system.
PNG DataCo managing director Paul Komboi said with the new submarine cable network, “we can now extend broadband services on a better and stable network out to townships that we could only reach by our limited satellite and microwave networks”.
“While we serve the ICT providers to serve the general populace, we are also obligated to do our part to ensure that our government and its people benefit from this infrastructure at the locations that we are now connected to,” Komboi said.
“Since the brining into use of this network, there has been a lot of interest in the townships of Alotau, Popondetta, Lae and Madang from the provincial governments and the districts as well as localised internet service providers.”
District administrator Lindsey Alesana said the district appreciated the government’s investment on improving communications for Alotau through DataCo. “It marries well with our five-year district development plan,” Alesana said.
“We can now promote SME business through internet as a platform such as e-tourism, e-agriculture.”