The National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) officially opened its new Universal Access Service (UAS) Branch at Range View Plaza on March 1, 2024. The ceremony was officiated by Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Hon Timothy Masiu.
The Universal Access Service Secretariate was established through the Department of ICT’s Universal Access Policy and marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to expand internet access across the country. Minister Masiu emphasized the distinction between NICTA’s regulatory role and the UAS’s operational focus.
“NICTA regulates the ICT industry through licensing and resource allocation,” Minister Masiu explained. “The UAS Secretariat, operating from this new location, will now intensify its efforts to identify unserved and underserved remote areas.”
The ICT Minister urged the UAS to collaborate with all ICT operators to ensure connectivity reaches all corners of Papua New Guinea.
He highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Connecting rural areas with 4G internet coverage will allow people to engage in e-commerce, e-learning, and a range of other e-services.”
NICTA Chairman, Mr. Noel Mobiha, elaborated on the function of the new branch. “This facility is a platform for open communication with all telecommunication companies, our clients, and licensees,” he said. “We aim to work collectively to deliver services to unconnected areas.”
ICT Minister Hon Timothy Masiu commended the NICTA Board and staff for their hard work in establishing the independent UAS branch. “This separation of functions ensures the UAS can focus solely on delivering crucial connectivity services,” he concluded.
Read UAS Policy: https://www.ict.gov.pg/universal-access-services-uas-policy/