Potential highlighted

The National Business

5G telecommunications technology has the potential to boost PNG’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by between four and six per cent, Information Communications Technology Minister Timothy Masiu says.
“Connectivity is globally recognised as the strategic enabler of economic growth.
“You connect a rural farmers to buyers in urban markets and that stimulates trade and productivity.
“You connect a taxi driver in Waigani to a customer in 9-Mile, you boost business.
“There are many practical examples cutting across all social and economic sectors providing the importance of connectivity to driving economic growth.
“Economically, it is estimated that the introduction of 5G, if rolled out appropriately, will boost domestic mobile technology and services,” he said at the bmobile’s 5G pre-launch ceremony in Port Moresby yesterday.
“5G application is particularly important to PNG in agriculture, digital healthcare, education, entertainment, smart city, smart transport and smart tourism sectors.
“5G has the potential to change or transform the socio-economy of PNG.”
Masiu said leading economies such as China, the US and the European Union (EU) had already taken measures to commence the roll out of 5G with South Korea and China currently leading the pack.
“This bmobile 5G prelaunch is a symbolic event that represents the need to improve connectivity to our people. Kumul Telikom Holdings Ltd (KKTHL) has great challenges because it is not yet servicing the majority of our population,” he said.
“Information Communications Technology (ICT), specifically connectivity, is a lucrative industry that PNG needs to take charge of to generate our own revenue and keep this revenue within our country.
“For this to happen, all entities under KTHL must work as a team. Telikom and bmobile must merge as directed by the Cabinet. PNG Dataco must focus only on the wholesale business.
“I am also happy that we have Huawei to help us as forward this technology.
“While America is still having some issues with Huawei, and I am happy that PNG is moving forward in technology as what happening in the world.
“I also want to thank our many investors and strategic partners, particularly Huawei, for its effort and contribution over the years in ICT training, digital forum and strategic partnership with our operators to explore 5G implementation.”