Cost of internet service in PNG down by half, Abel says

By LUKE KAMA
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel says the cost of the internet service in the country has decreased by almost 50 per cent in the past 10 years.
Abel told the PNG Information and Communication Technology expo in Port Moresby yesterday that in 2014, the cost of internet at one gigabit was about K45.
“But in 2018, it’s around K25 for one gigabit. That almost a 50 per cent reduction in internet costs.”
But he said despite the reduction in cost, the internet services in PNG was still expensive compared to other countries, including Pacific island nations such as Fiji.
“Though we may have seen a decrease in the internet costs, the fact is that internet service in PNG is too costly. At the same time, it is inaccessible in most parts of the country.
“That’s why the government is continuing to take steps towards addressing the high interest costs as well as internet inaccessibility. We are pleased that the Australian government is supporting PNG to construct an international submarine cable which will significantly boost internet service in PNG.
“We are expecting to see greater accessibility as well as a significant reduction in the internet costs once the construction of submarine cable is completed.”