Rural PNG ‘missing out’ on communications

By JACKLYN SIRIAS
COMMUNICATIONS and Information Minister Francis Manake is concerned about the number of people in rural areas who remain out of touch with the changing world of technology.
He told a conference on Thursday that he was amazed by developments in the world of technology.
“However, I am concerned that many of our rural population are still out of touch as they do not have access to a telephone, mobile communication and internet services,” Manake said.
He said some could not listen to a radio or watch television.
“The government has made a commitment specific to our industry in the second Alotau Accord,” he said.
Manake said it was to complete the National Broadband Network and Terrestrial Network upgrade (submarine cable bandwidth) which Huawei and the PNG DataCo Limited were constructing to run across 14 coastal centres.
“This will improve rural communication and enhance accessibility to internet services,” he said.
He said with well-established rural communication and enhanced accessibility to internet services, more development could take place.
“They could encourage e-commerce, e-health, e-education and e-agriculture with the view to embracing smart-government concept.”
Manake challenged the staff of National Information and Communication Technology Authority to try in the next five years to achieve the outcomes.
“Having access to technology is one thing. But if we can make it cheaper and affordable, it would be even better. I am committed to see that happens,” he said.