By ASHWIN PLESIO
Telikom PNG Limited has secured a K27.2 million (AUD$6.3 million) grant from the Australian Government to strengthen its internal operations, improve service delivery and support Papua New Guinea’s growing digital economy.
The grant agreement was signed today at Telikom Rumana in Port Moresby under the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).
Telikom Chief Executive Officer Amos Tepi, OBE, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the company’s transformation, following nearly two years of collaboration and planning between Telikom, the Australian Government, AIFFP, Kumul Consolidated Holdings and the Papua New Guinea Government.
Tepi said the funding would strengthen Telikom’s internal capacity, business systems and operational efficiency while supporting its long-term growth and sustainability.
“The Agreement we sign today, valued at approximately AUD$6.3 million (K27.2 million), is a bilateral partnership grant to support Telikom’s internal capacity, systems and operational excellence,” Tepi said.
He said the investment would enable Telikom to improve its performance and deliver better services to customers throughout Papua New Guinea.
According to Tepi, the funding will focus on three key areas: improving internal business coordination, increasing operational efficiency and strengthening the company’s capacity to accommodate growing demand for telecommunications services.
The grant will also support Telikom’s broader digital transformation initiatives, including the development of a national Digital Wallet and E-Wallet platform to promote financial inclusion and secure digital payments.
Other strategic initiatives include expanding Telikom’s Artificial Intelligence Cloud Data Centre capabilities to support sovereign data hosting, cloud services, artificial intelligence applications and government digital services.
Telikom is also advancing Starlink satellite internet services through its role as a national reseller, with the aim of extending connectivity to remote and underserved communities across Papua New Guinea.
Tepi said these initiatives were consistent with the National Government’s vision of ensuring that every Papua New Guinean could participate in the digital economy, regardless of geographical location.
“Our industry is evolving rapidly. Customers expect faster, simpler, and more digital experiences. Businesses require secure and reliable connectivity. Government is increasingly delivering its services through digital platforms,” he said.
He stressed that Telikom must keep pace with these developments to remain competitive and relevant in the telecommunications industry.
Tepi also acknowledged the Marape Rosso Government’s expectations for stronger performance, improved governance and long term sustainability among state-owned enterprises.
He said Telikom management was committed to delivering measurable results from the Australian Government’s investment.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, the company will implement the programme in close cooperation with AIFFP, Kumul Consolidated Holdings and the Telikom Board.
Management will also provide transparent progress reports and remain accountable for the programme’s outcomes.
“A grant is a statement of confidence, and confidence must be repaid with delivery,” Tepi said.
He thanked the Australian Government, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Ewen McDonald, the AIFFP team, Minister for State Enterprises William Duma, Kumul Consolidated Holdings Managing Director Professor David Kavanamur and Telikom Board Chairman Cedric Rondoke for their continued support.
Tepi also acknowledged Telikom employees, describing the funding as an investment in their skills, capabilities and future.
He said Telikom had a responsibility not only to connect Papua New Guineans but also to lead the country’s transition towards a modern digital economy.
“Today’s signing is not simply about how Telikom operates today. It is about preparing Telikom for the next generation of digital services and ensuring we have the capability to support Papua New Guinea’s growing digital economy,” he said.
“A stronger Telikom means a stronger Papua New Guinea. We intend to deliver both.”