PNG gives green light to 5G Network

Papua New Guinea has officially opened the door to commercial 5G mobile services, with the country's telecommunications regulator declaring all systems are go for the next-generation technology.

The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) made the landmark announcement on Friday, confirming that the legal framework, technical requirements and regulatory checks are now complete. The decision clears the path for mobile operators to begin rolling out advanced 4G and 5G services using the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum bands.

   PNG gives green light to 5G Network

 

NICTA board chairman Brian Riches described the moment as a major step forward for the nation's digital future. “Today is a very exciting day. It is a milestone for the digital economy,” Mr Riches said from the regulator's Hohola headquarters in Port Moresby.

He noted that PNG would now join more than 150 countries worldwide that have already launched or soft-launched 5G networks, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association.

But Mr Riches was quick to temper expectations, cautioning that the declaration does not mean 5G will be available across the country overnight. NICTA chief executive officer Colume Lume said the decision gives mobile operators the regulatory certainty they need to decide when and where to begin commercial deployments.

Operators have already carried out 5G trials and invested in supporting infrastructure, with NICTA now expecting the industry to push ahead with commercial rollout. Initial services are likely to be concentrated in major urban centres where demand is strongest, and licensing conditions will require operators to gradually expand coverage into other areas.

Vodafone has already committed to rolling out 5G across the National Capital District, with plans to cover at least one additional city within 18 months. The company is targeting 20 per cent population coverage within three years and 30 per cent within five years. Operators will also be required to extend 4G coverage to 20 new sites under the Universal Access and Service Program.

NICTA said revenue from spectrum licences would be used to support connectivity projects in underserved and remote communities, helping to narrow PNG's digital divide.

“Today is a very exciting day. It is a milestone for the digital economy,” Mr Riches said.