Danger of monopoly by foreigners

 COMMUNICATIONS and Information Technology Minister Jimmy Miringtoro’s comments about the danger of foreign companies trying to monopolise the Papua New Guinea market is on the spot.

The Government and all the MPs in Parliament must support the call by Miringtoro to prevent foreign firms taking of other firms which are owned or partly-owned by the state in providing basic services to the masses.

News, current affairs, as well as TV entertainment, are currently enjoyed by the 7 million of PNG using the two main TV stations. However, not too long ago the rights to watch NRL matches were taken away from the common PNG man and woman because a firm had taken them away.

Now, what was once an almost free service needs to be paid for. 

If a foreign firm is planning a takeover of a TV station or radio station that is partly-owned by the state of PNG, then that plan must be stopped by all MPs, as in formulating a policy.

MPs in PNG must voice the concern of the masses who should have the privilege to information and news to be educated about what is happening globally and locally.

Foreign firms, like those in communications and IT, are aware that PNG has 7 million people. 

We are the second largest nation in the Pacific in terms of population. Australia has 23 million, New Zealand has 4.5 million and Fiji 881,000.

These firms know that if they want to make a lot of money they have to set themselves up in Australia or PNG.

Australia however may be too strict for them and may monitor closely how they also charge consumer rates – some, like internet rates, are of great concern here in PNG.    

All the Government ministers and MPs should be aware of that.

These foreign firms must appreciate the privileges they have in operating here in PNG. 

Our MPs too must not act dumb in keeping quiet until it is too late. This is the 21st century. 

They must speak up for the people and stop any move that may prevent information services reaching the people or be sold to them at very high prices.

Moreover, the MPs must work towards coming up with proposals to future policies restricting foreign firms to only one or two lines of businesses.

Thank you Minister Miringtoro, we are in support of your call.   

Nationalist

Port Moresby