High internet rates hinder progress

 By CARMELLA GWARE

HIGH internet rates are hindering development and restricting access to education, health and employment opportunities, according to a US Embassy official.

Public affairs officer Natalia Capel said: “The cost of the internet in Papua New Guinea is the highest in the region and the second highest worldwide.

“The high cost acts as a barrier to the flow of ideas, information and innovation. 

“When we think of the saying ‘information is power’ most of us think of education because we know that education is power. 

“Well, what if I told you that anyone in PNG could take classes from the best university in the United States – 14,550km away – completely free of charge? This is possible thanks to the power of the internet.”

Capel said that women must involve themselves in the male-dominated information and communication industry.

“Putting women and technology together has the potential to be one of the highest-leverage opportunities to address the world’s development challenges,” she said.

“Technology and the internet offer a cost effective way to make educational and professional exchanges available for more and more girls. 

“The US Embassy can connect girls to many of these opportunities; this is why increasing affordable access to the internet and technology is a key part of our overarching goal to help Papua New Guinea grow its economy in a way that is inclusive, sustainable and transparent.”