District calls for better internet service

LACK of telecommunication service in rural areas is deterring effective service delivery, says Maprik district development authority chief executive Joshua Himina.
The authority wants Telikom and Digicel to improve telecommunication service in the rural areas.
Himina said after serving in the district for 13 months, he found a lack telecommunication service, especially internet, there.
“Major networks are not reliable and it greatly affects the daily operations of the district services and businesshouses,” he said.
“Although PNG’s rugged terrain in rural areas are a hindrance to transport and deliver services, they should not be used to justify the poor telecommunication given the availability of technology.”
Internet is a platform that connects the global audience, Himina said.
The Maprik BSP sub-branch depends entirely on internet services, once the network goes out the bank system shuts down – causing a halt in business transactions.
“Maprik is not the only rural district that is faced with this issue, other districts like Ambunti-Dreikikir and Wasara-Gawi are facing similar problems.”