Telikom (PNG) Limited and the Kandrian-Gloucester District Development Authority (KGDDA) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement aimed at expanding reliable telecommunications and digital services across the district in West New Britain Province.
Telikom Chief Executive Officer Amos Tepi, OBE, said the partnership would address connectivity gaps affecting schools, health centres, LLG stations, wards and communities throughout Kandrian-Gloucester.
“Today we sign up to a simple idea: where you live should not decide whether you are connected,” Tepi said during the signing.
He said poor connectivity in parts of the district had affected the delivery of government services, access to information and opportunities for communities.
Under the agreement, Telikom will provide a range of telecommunications and digital solutions, including satellite connectivity such as Starlink, mobile services, fixed-line and fibre infrastructure.
Telikom will also provide ICT and security solutions, data centre hosting and backup services, maintenance and technical support, as well as training for district officers.
Through its subsidiary companies, the telecommunications provider will also make available media, advertising, television and streaming services.
Tepi said the KGDDA would identify priority locations, determine the rollout schedule and work with LLG managers, ward officials and landowners to facilitate implementation.
“The KGDDA will lead the way. It will choose the sites that matter most, set the priorities and the roll-out schedule, and work with the LLG managers, ward officials and landowners to make the work possible,” he said.
The agreement also provides safeguards over district information, with Tepi stressing that data generated or held under the partnership would remain the property of the district.
“The District’s data belongs to the District,” he said.
A joint steering committee comprising two officers from each organisation will oversee implementation of the partnership.
Individual projects will be covered by separate service orders or agreements and implemented in accordance with public finance and procurement requirements.
Tepi said the partnership aligned with the National Government’s broader digital transformation agenda to connect districts, LLGs and wards to the digital economy.
He commended KGDDA Chief Executive Officer Dr Steven Yennie and his team for taking the initiative to improve connectivity in the district.
“Signing is the easy part. Now the real work begins, and we are ready,” Tepi said.