Broadband Initiative
The Broadband Initiative aims to expand broadband network coverage to all unserved areas and communities across Papua New Guinea, with the goal of achieving Universal Access and Service.
The initiative has specific goals to ensure everyone has access to reliable, high-speed internet.
TARGETS
- 100% of PNG’s population will be covered by reliable, advanced wireless mobile network signals, at least 4G+ quality.
- We will also significantly increase the coverage of fixed broadband services nationwide.
PRIORITIES
- We are focused on establishing a 4G mobile network presence (including a mobile tower site and coverage) in all unserved Local Level Governments (LLGs).
- Fixed broadband services will be deployed in all schools, health centers, and local government offices to support essential public services and education.
This initiative is implemented under two programs.
Mobile Broadband
Fixed Broadband
Mobile Broadband
Expanding Mobile Broadband Access with the UAS Fund
The UAS Fund is helping to expand 4G mobile network coverage into areas of Papua New Guinea that currently have no signal, or only slow and unreliable 2G and 3G service. Our goal is to achieve true Universal Service, ensuring all households and businesses are fully covered by advanced networks and have access to affordable communication services.
Our Threefold Strategy
To meet our mobile broadband targets, we will implement three key projects:
Greenfield Projects:
We will build new 4G network infrastructure in areas with no existing mobile coverage.
2G-4G Upgrade Projects:
We will upgrade existing 2G and 3G sites to provide faster 4G service.
Blackspot Projects:
We will improve inadequate network signals in areas with poor coverage.
The number and location of these projects will be flexible, adapting to market investments and government priorities like the Connect PNG Program. We identify and select specific projects through a collaborative process with stakeholders, including network operators, before final approval by the Minister for ICT each year. This strategic approach is based on an in-depth access gap analysis conducted by NICTA using data from mobile network operators.
This project supports the establishment of new 4G infrastructure in areas that currently have no 4G service. The number and distribution of these projects are summarized below. For a complete list of project locations, please refer to our dedicated webpage:
This project will upgrade existing base transceiver station (BTS) locations that only offer 2G service to provide faster, more reliable 4G service. The number and distribution of these proposed projects are summarized below. For a complete list of project locations, please refer to our dedicated webpage:
This project aims to improve weak 4G signals in areas that are within coverage but have insufficient mobile signal strength to support advanced services. Project locations will be determined based on feedback from both operators and mobile subscribers. The projects will involve deploying small cell technologies to improve coverage in localized “blackspot” areas.
Fixed Broadband
Expanding Fixed Broadband with the UAS Fund
he UAS Fund promotes and supports the expansion of fixed broadband networks and services to locations that currently lack them. This initiative is crucial for businesses, institutions, and households, and it is not limited to traditional ISPs, but also includes community-based cooperatives and networks.
Our Targets and Priorities
Our fixed broadband initiative targets key public institutions, including universities, schools, hospitals, health clinics, agricultural centers, and local government offices. These locations are often in LLGs with no existing service or where the current service is inadequate for useful broadband connectivity.
The program also aims to provide public access through MSME Incubation Centers and Community Information Centers, where citizens can get affordable broadband and technical support.
The goal is to establish community broadband access in a limited number of larger population centers, with long-term plans for nationwide expansion.
NICTA will collaborate with government and private sector agencies to ensure that these projects deliver the needed capacity and services to all project locations.
Specific Targets
- Targets: Approximately 105 sites over five years
- Priorities: Our focus is on District and LLG capitals/headquarter towns/stations.
Project Categories
To meet our fixed broadband targets, we will implement six categories of projects:
Connect the Schools Projects:
To provide schools across PNG with managed fixed broadband connectivity.
Connect our Medics:
To provide health centers throughout PNG with managed fixed broadband connectivity.
Connect our Farmers:
To provide agricultural institutions throughout PNG with managed fixed broadband connectivity.
MSME ICT Hubs:
To establish facilities with fixed broadband and necessary ICT services to offer technical resources, training, and other support for entrepreneurs.
Community Networks:
To establish community-level network operators to provide community broadband and applicable ICT services.
Local Government Offices:
To support the Government's Digital Transformation objectives by providing broadband connectivity, equipment, and skills development to local government administrations.
The distribution of these projects over the five-year period is summarized in the table below.
The specific locations for each project will be identified through a consultative process with all relevant stakeholders before receiving annual approval from the Minister for implementation.
Table: Fixed broadband projects
Table 3: Fixed broad projects
| Project | Year 1 – 2023 | Year 2 2024 | Year 3 -2025 | Year 4 – 2026 | Year 5 2027 | Total |
| Connect our Schools | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 20 |
| Connect our Medics | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 20 |
| Connect our Farmers | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 20 |
| MSME ICT hubs | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 20 |
| Community Networks | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Local Government Offices | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 20 |
| 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 105 |