By ESWIN PLESIO
PAPUA New Guinea has cleared the way for commercial 5G mobile services after the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) declared the country ready to license the next generation of mobile technology.
NICTA board chairman Brian Riches made the announcement on Friday (04/09/26) at the regulator’s headquarters in Hohola, Port Moresby, saying all necessary legal, technical and regulatory processes had been completed.
The 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum bands have been assessed and cleared for licensing, giving qualified mobile operators the green light to deploy advanced 4G and 5G services.
“Today is a very exciting day. It is a milestone for the digital economy,” Mr Riches said.
He said PNG would join more than 150 countries globally that had launched or soft-launched 5G networks, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association.
However, Mr Riches cautioned that the declaration did not mean 5G services would be available nationwide immediately.
NICTA chief executive officer Colume Lume said the decision gave mobile operators the regulatory certainty to determine when and where to begin commercial 5G deployments.
Operators have already conducted 5G trials and invested in supporting infrastructure, with NICTA now expecting the industry to move towards commercial rollout.
Initial deployments are expected to focus on major urban centres, where demand is highest. Licensing conditions will require operators to progressively expand coverage.
Vodafone has committed to rolling out 5G across the National Capital District, with at least one additional city covered within 18 months. Its targets include 20 per cent population coverage within 36 months and 30 per cent within 60 months.
Operators will also be required to extend 4G coverage to 20 new sites under the Universal Access and Service Program.
NICTA said revenue from spectrum licences would support connectivity projects in underserved and remote communities, helping reduce PNG’s digital divide.
The licensing decision marks a significant step towards expanding high-speed mobile connectivity and supporting the country’s growing digital economy.