Satellite process starts: MD

 THE process to identify a satellite technology solution for PNG has already begun, PNG DataCo Ltd’s managing director Paul Komboi says.

He said: “Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is right by saying that proposals for PNG to own and operate a satellite are also being considered as well as other satellite solutions, including capacity lease on existing satellites, owning or buying transponders on new satellites, buying an existing satellite and repositioning it to our satellite space slots. 

“All these options are available to the country.

“We will determine with the guidance from the Government through its policies on what criterion is more relevant for us to make that choice for a solution for our nation’s requirements.

“Key considerations to guide our decisions would be the cost, commercial viability, technical feasibility, economical value, financing, geopolitics and sovereignty. 

“We need to consider all these available options against our criteria and present it together with their short–term and long-term costs and benefits to the Government to make a decision.

“DataCo is also consolidating the wholesale infrastructures.

“We are awaiting the transfer of satellite wholesale infrastructure from Telikom PNG.

“So that we can fully ascertain what satellite, technology, equipment and systems, satellite carriers and existing terms and conditions.

“This would assist us on how to utilise existing infrastructure and to integrate them into a proposed new satellite solution.

“It is complex engineering technology and will require vigorous and diligent planning and design.   

“Importantly, the right people to partner with to make such a project successful. 

“Telikom wholesale assets include the satellite equipment and systems need to be transferred to DataCo now.”

It has taken over two years the delay.”