Pact for satellite communication project

 THE State has partnered with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in a satellite communication connectivity project.

The deal to do this was signed by Communication and Information Minister Jimmy Miringtoro and which Secretary Paulius Korni presented to ITU’s regional office for Asia and the Pacific programme coordinator Ashish Narayan.

Papua New Guinea joined the union shortly after independence in October 1975 and has received significant assistance from the union.

Korni said the satellite project was an important tool for economic activity and development. “This is an important step PNG is taking in terms of ICT,” he said.

He then urged Papua New Guinea to work closely with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to address cybercrime and cyber security issues.

Speaking at the 150th anniversary of ITU recently, Korni said it was a commitment of all ITU members’ states and stakeholders to ensure that information communication and technologies enable and accelerate growth and development in respective nations. 

“Apart from the government’s policy director aimed at stimulating competition and expansion of infrastructure and services roll out, we (department) are embarking on a rural communication programme in partnership with the private sector to bridge the digital gap.”

Korni announced two other important projects for the country; the PNG internet exchange point (PNGIXP) and the universal access and service (UAS) internet connectivity project for schools.

“This particular project (PNGIXP) came about as a direct response to our call for more affordable internet rates, rates being the highest in the Pacific region,” he said. 

“Planned date for IXP launching is Sept 16.”