Papua New Guinea Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey concludes negotiations with Australia's telecommunication giant Telstra CEO, Andy Penn.
MINISTER FOR TREASURY
Parliament House
Waigani.NCD Papua New Guinea
+675 71111777
By IAN LING-STUCKEY | 8th February 2022.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA TREASURER IAN LING-STUCKEY CONCLUDES NEGOTIATIONS WITH TELSTRA CEO, ANDY PENN.
*Importance of Telecommunications Sector Discussed with Telstra*
“Modernising our telecommunications sector can help transform the Papua New Guinea economy. Broader access for our people to modern, low cost data and voice communications can make Papua New Guinea a safer, richer and better educated nation.
These possibilities were at the centre of the discussions I had with the head of Telstra, Andy Penn, and other Telstra staff, on 1 February during meetings in Melbourne Australia” stated Treasurer Ling-Stuckey.
“Around the globe, it is recognised that modern telecommunications can connect people in ways simply not possible using traditional land-line phone services. A good, fast data connection can allow our small and medium-sized enterprises to reach out to markets throughout the world without having to go through middlemen.
This means better access to bigger markets with greater returns to our entrepreneurs. Access to better, faster, cheaper data also opens doors for dramatically increased education opportunities.
Combined with appropriate safeguards, it can also bring low-cost banking services throughout our country without the need for physical bank branches. Connections to families and wantoks is much easier. And it could even make it easier to watch the State of Origin” stated the Treasurer.
“Getting the gains from a better telecommunications sector will require much greater investment in our infrastructure such as more towers in more locations. It will require good regulation to ensure that the gains from the submarine cables to Papua New Guinea are shared broadly. There is a need to improve greater access to the more modern 4G network rather than the older 2G and 3G networks.
“My discussions with Telstra highlighted the importance of such modernisation and increased investment in the telecommunications sector. As Telstra is likely to complete its purchase of Digicel Pacific over coming months, I wanted to make clear to Telstra the hopes that Papua New Guinea has for its likely new partner in this vital sector of our economy” stated Ling-Stuckey.
Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, CMG. MPMinister for Treasury
Read more news and stories here. Watch online news and documentaries about Papua New Guinea here.
Opposition Leader James Nomane criticises the PNG government over economic damage affecting young graduates and calls for a Vote of No Confidence to restore leadership.
PNG Opposition Leader and Member for Chuave Hon, James Nomane urges graduates to stop waiting for opportunities and instead “build their own door,” highlighting unemployment, corruption, and the need for discipline and leadership among young people
Many Papua New Guineans know Anslom Nakikus as a famous reggae singer. But fewer people know that he is also a well-educated man who studied at the University of Papua New Guinea and the University of Goroka before rising to international music success. His story shows how education and talent can work together to inspire a generation.
From teaching herself coding at age 12 to becoming one of the world’s youngest tech CEOs, Crystal Kewe is inspiring innovation in Papua New Guinea. Her company, Crysan Technology, and the award-winning Biluminous app are helping connect traditional artisans with global digital markets.
“My discussions with Telstra highlighted the importance of such modernisation and increased investment in the telecommunications sector. As Telstra is likely to complete its purchase of Digicel Pacific over coming months, I wanted to make clear to Telstra the hopes that Papua New Guinea has for its likely new partner in this vital sector of our economy” stated Ling-Stuckey.
Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, CMG. MP
Minister for Treasury
