PAPUA New Guinea and Australia have established a Joint Project Team to progress the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative, following endorsement by Papua New Guinea’s National Executive Council.
The Joint Project Team has already held a kick-off meeting to advance project arrangements. The initiative aims to strengthen PNG’s connection to the global digital network, improve internet reliability and affordability, and promote a more competitive telecommunications market.
The Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative proposes three new international subsea cables that are expected to enhance digital access for Papua New Guineans and drive growth in key sectors such as health, education, tourism, and trade.
The project will operate within an open and fair wholesale market framework, a move expected to boost investor confidence and position Papua New Guinea as an attractive destination for digital infrastructure investment.
Secretary for the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Steven Matainaho, said the initiative marks a major step in PNG’s digital transformation.
“The Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative, forged through the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, marks a pivotal step in our nation’s digital transformation,” Mr Matainaho said. “By working together, we are unlocking better access to reliable, high-speed internet—opening doors for our people in health, education, innovation, and beyond.”
The initiative aligns with the PNG Telecommunications Blueprint, agreed to by both governments in 2025 during the 31st Australia–Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum. The Blueprint outlines a shared vision for a connected, secure, and future-ready digital nation, while identifying priority investments and reforms to address PNG’s geographic and economic challenges.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, Ewen McDonald, said Australia was proud to support PNG’s digital ambitions.
“Australia is proud to stand side by side with Papua New Guinea to improve the reliability and affordability of internet connectivity through the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative,” Mr McDonald said. “PNG’s leadership, combined with our enduring partnership, is making possible a connected and resilient future.”
Australia and Papua New Guinea have a long history of digital cooperation. Since 2018, Australia has invested more than AUD3 billion in PNG’s digital infrastructure, including the Coral Sea Cable, the establishment of the PNG National Cyber Security Centre, Telstra’s acquisition of Digicel PNG, nationwide network expansion, and cyber security training.
Acting Head of the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, Rachael Moore, said the partnership was central to ensuring the benefits of digital connectivity reach communities across the country.
“Together, we are creating new opportunities for economic growth and social inclusion, fostering competition and innovation,” Ms Moore said.
Further details on the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative are expected to be announced in the coming months.