Australia Backs Telikom PNG With K27.2 Million To Improve Services

PAPUA New Guinea’s telecommunications sector is set to receive a boost after Telikom PNG secured K27.2 million in Australian Government grant funding aimed at improving the company’s efficiency and strengthening its ability to deliver reliable digital services.

The agreement, signed at Telikom Rumana in Port Moresby, brings together the Australian and Papua New Guinea governments in a programme intended to build the company’s operational capacity and position it for the next stage of the country’s digital development.

 Australia Backs Telikom PNG With K27.2 Million To Improve Services

Telikom chief executive officer Amos Tepi said the arrangement followed close to two years of consultation, preparation and coordination between Telikom, the Australian Government, AIFFP and Kumul Consolidated Holdings.

He said the AUD$6.3 million assistance would help address internal business needs while supporting the company’s long-term growth and sustainability.

The programme will concentrate on improving coordination between business units, making daily operations more efficient and ensuring Telikom can respond to increasing demand for telecommunications products and services.

Beyond its immediate operational objectives, the company is pursuing several digital initiatives intended to widen access to technology and electronic services across the country.

These include plans for a national Digital Wallet and E-Wallet platform to make electronic transactions more accessible and secure, particularly as more services move online.

Telikom is also developing its Artificial Intelligence Cloud Data Centre capabilities to accommodate data hosting, cloud services, AI applications and government digital systems.

The company’s Starlink reseller arrangement forms another part of its connectivity strategy, with satellite internet expected to provide additional options for communities in remote locations and areas with limited telecommunications coverage.

Tepi said the initiatives reflected the need to keep pace with changes in customer behaviour, business requirements and government service delivery.

He said the telecommunications industry was moving towards faster and more digitally accessible services, placing greater pressure on providers to maintain dependable networks and secure systems.

“Our industry is evolving rapidly. Customers expect faster, simpler, and more digital experiences. Businesses require secure and reliable connectivity. Government is increasingly delivering its services through digital platforms,” Tepi said.

He added that Telikom had to respond to these changing demands if it was to maintain its place in the market.

The funding also comes as the Marape-Rosso Government calls for better performance, stronger governance and improved sustainability from state-owned enterprises.

Tepi said Telikom’s management would be expected to demonstrate clear outcomes from the Australian assistance and provide transparent updates on the programme’s progress.

The chief executive acknowledged Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald, Minister for State Enterprises William Duma, Kumul Consolidated Holdings managing director Professor David Kavanamur, Telikom board chairman Cedric Rondoke and the AIFFP team for their contributions to the agreement.

He also thanked Telikom staff, describing the programme as an investment in the workforce as well as the company’s systems and infrastructure.

“A grant is a statement of confidence, and confidence must be repaid with delivery,” Tepi said.

He said the company would use the opportunity to prepare for emerging technologies and the growing need for digital services across Papua New Guinea.

“Today's signing is not simply about how Telikom operates today. It is about preparing Telikom for the next generation of digital services and ensuring we have the capability to support Papua New Guinea's growing digital economy,” he said.

“A stronger Telikom means a stronger Papua New Guinea. We intend to deliver both.