By ESWIN PLESIO
Papua New Guinea’s leading telecommunications providers have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to improve digital connectivity and support the country’s digital transformation.
The commitment was made during a panel discussion on the second day of the Digital Transformation Summit 2026 at Stanley Hotel where industry leaders explored the theme, “Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure Interoperability: Connecting Government Through Digital Platforms.”
Moderated by PNG DataCo Limited General Manager for ICT, Cloud and Datacenter, David Mba, the session featured Vodafone PNG Chief Information Officer Jasneel Kumar, Digicel Pacific Group Head of External Affairs Timothy Bryson, and Telikom PNG Chief Executive Officer Amos Tepi.
Mr. Mba said the session was intended to provide an opportunity for each telecommunications provider to outline the initiatives they are undertaking to strengthen internet connectivity and digital infrastructure across Papua New Guinea.
Mr. Kumar said Vodafone PNG has made significant progress since launching its network in 2019 and now operates around 800 mobile towers across all 22 provinces.
He said the company’s priority was to connect more Papua New Guineans, particularly those in underserved areas, by expanding network coverage and supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda.
“Our main aim is to connect the unconnected through greater digital penetration and transformation,” Mr. Kumar said.
He added that Vodafone continued to work closely with the Government, regulators and other industry players to improve connectivity and prepare for future technologies, including 5G.
Digicel Pacific’s Group Head of External Affairs, Timothy Bryson, said innovation would be key to ensuring Papua New Guinea benefits from the rapidly changing telecommunications landscape.
He said emerging technologies such as low-Earth orbit satellite services, including Starlink, should be embraced alongside existing telecommunications infrastructure to provide better connectivity for people and businesses.
“We want to remain creative because the space itself is changing all the time,” Mr. Bryson said.
“If we can embrace these technologies together with traditional telecommunications networks, we will create the best opportunities for Papua New Guineans.”
Telikom PNG Chief Executive Officer Amos Tepi said the company was transforming from a traditional telecommunications provider into a technology-driven organisation focused on innovation.
He added that Telikom wad investing in cloud services, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity while also partnering with technology providers to expand its digital capabilities.
Mr. Tepi said collaboration between telecommunications companies will play a crucial role in improving services across the country.
“We can no longer operate in our own silos. We need to work together to connect communities, businesses and government as Papua New Guinea continues its digital transformation journey,” he said.
He added that Telikom was also discussing infrastructure-sharing arrangements with Vodafone PNG and Digicel Pacific to improve network coverage in both urban and rural areas.