Concerns over high internet rates in PNG

 THE high internet rates in Papua New Guinea is a cause for concern for people and businesses. 

A senior United States government official Atul Keshap said Papua New Guinea would continue to face serious development problems unless it reduced its internet rates such as APEC member countries. 

The National talked to people at random on their views on the issue.

Belinda Takera, UMW IT officer: Internet rates in PNG are too high especially when comparing speed to cost. Overseas services are better in that the rates are lower and the speed faster. Ordinary Papua New Guineans cannot afford the luxury of having internet at home and it is something only businesses and well-to-do Papua New Guineans can afford. 

David Dunn, executive of Dulux Group PNG: The rates in PNG are definitely higher than those of New Zealand. In New Zealand we get 200 gigs for NZ$50 whereas the rate here is excessive and the service unreliable and very slow. We are paying 10 times more here. There is not enough competition and for a country to grow, fast and easy internet access is needed. In Asia, internet is cheaper and faster. 

Sinan Bilsel, general manager, Lae Yacht Club: Internet rates in Australia are five times lower than in PNG. There are many service providers and the deals are unbelievable over there. One thing I’ve noticed though is that Telikom’s service in Lae has not had a major problem in the past six months and that is promising.

Janet Kosa, 27, Rabaul: Customers want access to vital information on the internet are being ripped off. If other countries are able to give their citizens the opportunity to access the internet without being faced with hefty charges, then why can’t we? There needs to be more competition among internet suppliers so that costs are decreased.

Edward Waiange, IT officer: I have never used the internet outside of PNG but I recently read in the newspapers that internet rates in PNG are high. I am unsure as to what the differences are in rates between PNG and other countries.

Nassain Douglas, 25, Rabaul: It is about time internet costs were lowered in PNG so the little people can have access to vital information at their fingertips. PNG is developing and people are keen to have access to the entire world of communication.

Simon Benari, ENB teacher: The rates are high especially for students, many are actually relying on internet for research purposes. They spend more every day to access the internet for information. High internet rates are not fair to this group of people and something has to be done to address high internet rates.

Augustine Tomot, 29, ENB: High internet costs have made our jobs harder. We thought that the introduction of internet and other technology are here to make our jobs more efficient and easier. However, high internet bills are just ripping us off and made our jobs hard.

Greg Aaron, musician: The problem with slow internet access and high rates are probably because of Telikom’s one internet gateway. Downloading files just takes ages. I find the Telikom service faster than Digicel.

Mapun Pidian, ENB: Why is it that internet costs are high? Companies, government agencies and departments and other organisations are able to meet the high cost. But this is  not for the simple people, including students, who are our future. Authorities should step in and see that something is done to assist those of us who are doing home businesses and are still studying.