Minister for Information, Communication & Technology, and Timothy Masiu in a media conference held in Kokopo, East New Britain Province approved licence commencing on January 1st 2024 for a Star link incorporated agent in the country.
This comes after a decision by the NICTA board on the 18th of December 2023 to allow the licensing of Star Link. The decision follows a public consultation on the matter conducted by NICTA.
The licence authorises Star link to establish , maintain and operate its satellite network and to provide Star link services to and from PNG which is subjected to license , terms and conditions and the lawful directions of NICTA”s applicable laws and regulations and ordinance in the country.
Minister Masiu made the announcement of allowing the regulator, National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) to allow the licencing of Star link in the country.
“As the minister responsible , I had taken time and I have care care to allow the regulator in the country which is NICTA to go through StarLinks and will bring in to our space ,our country” Minister Masiu said.
NICTA is responsible for the regulation and licensing of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Papua New Guinea and regulates: broadcasting &Radio communications.
Also present was Board Director of NICTA, John Cholai who mentioned the government aim of closing the digital divide.
“What are basic win win for the supplier and us as a country , our user services. For me the biggest part is the governments policy in terms of closing the digital divide , this is the first , best and fastest way to do it” explained Cholai.
From a policy perspective the decision will facilitate , expedite , accelerate and intensify roll out of broadband services particularly Internet Services to PNG consistent with the Universal Access and Digital Transformation Policy of the government.
Star link is a satellite internet provider developed by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX. It uses low-Earth orbit satellites to provide faster speeds, more data, and lower latency broadband service to underserved rural and remote areas worldwide.
