PNG project leads rollout of new satellite technology

Papua New Guinea is witnessing a breakthrough in digital connectivity with the introduction of OneWeb Low Earth Orbit satellite services at the Frieda River Project in the Sepik.

The rollout, led by TE (PNG) Limited and its global partner SAT ONE, represents the country’s first approved enterprise deployment under the National Information and Communications Technology Authority framework.

TE PNG’s approval to trial the service positioned it at the forefront of introducing LEO technology into the country, with the Frieda River site becoming the first major beneficiary.

 PNG project leads rollout of new satellite technology

The project area, spanning parts of Sandaun and East Sepik, has long been cut off from reliable communications due to its rugged geography, where rivers, mountains and thick vegetation limit infrastructure development.

Frieda River Limited said workers and communities have depended on basic communication systems, making coordination, safety and engagement difficult.

With the new satellite system now active, operations at the site are expected to improve through faster connectivity, stronger reliability and expanded bandwidth capacity, while also laying the groundwork for future community access.

FRL Country Manager Dr Joel Hamago said the move represents a turning point for the project.

“For FRL’s site, communications have historically depended on HF radio and limited satellite options which is an operational constraint for safety, logistics, and community engagement. FRL’s adaptation of OneWeb’s LEO technology came at a critical phase of the project development. Once we get that running for site operations, we will consider expanding these services to our project communities as this is a critical infrastructure.”

TE PNG Managing Director Robbie Huxley said the initiative highlights PNG’s growing capability in adopting advanced technologies.

“We’re proud to be the first national company to receive NICTA approval for a OneWeb (Eutelsat OneWeb) Low Earth Orbit fixed enterprise land service and to bring this capability into Papua New Guinea. This is a significant step forward for the country in terms of high-performance, low-latency connectivity for critical operations.

We’re delivering this in close partnership with Sat.One as our upstream carrier, combining global capability with strong local implementation to ensure these services are reliable, scalable, and properly supported on the ground.

Reliable connectivity has always been a challenge in remote parts of PNG. With the continued support and guidance of NICTA, this milestone represents the formal introduction of advanced LEO services into the country, opening up new opportunities for industry, government, and communities.

We’re also pleased to be working alongside Frieda River Limited on this project, supporting the development of the Sepik region through improved connectivity that will have a meaningful impact operationally, economically, and at a community level.”