Opposition Leader James Nomane has commended Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili and NICTA Chief Executive Officer Polume Lume for their dedicated efforts in securing operating and spectrum licenses for Starlink Internet Services (PNG) Limited.
He said the decision would be felt in every village, every classroom, and every business across Papua New Guinea.
“Communication is not a remote luxury, but the oxygen of development,” Mr Nomane said.
“Without reliable connectivity, businesses struggle, learning is inhibited, and we have an uneven playing field.
“The licensing of Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit satellite technology directly confronts this reality and overcomes PNG’s inaccessible geography.
“What makes this decision credible is its substance. The approval by NICTA involved a comprehensive assessment of technical capability, financial capacity, and regulatory alignment.
“Crucially, the licenses cover both KA and KU band spectrum. This simply means broader reach, greater reliability, and real competition against existing providers.
“Competition drives down cost. Lower cost means more businesses connected, more communities empowered, and more Papua New Guineans participating in the digital economy.
“Minister Tsiamalili has demonstrated three qualities the business community needs in a Minister: clarity of purpose, regulatory discipline, and a genuine commitment to inclusion.
“He has moved decisively without cutting corners. The safeguards attached to these licenses — consumer protection standards, national security compliance, and emergency service obligations — signal a minister who understands that openness must be balanced with accountability.
“The Minister and NICTA CEO have imbued confidence in all of us.
“The Opposition’s role is to hold the government to account — but it is equally our duty to acknowledge progress where it exists.
“This is progress. We call on the minister to carry on the good work and ensure rapid deployment and transparent pricing. Getting Starlink was a big win for the people of Papua New Guinea.
“Papua New Guinea’s future is digital. Today, we are closer to it.” Mr Nomane concluded.