In encouraging transparency within the government, the ICT sector and to comply with their policy and legislative measures, Information and Communication Technology Minister Timothy Masiu said that he wants his department organised.
He said that to deliver ICT services that are cost-effective, reliable and affordable, his department must listen to the stakeholder and industry players for a better appreciation and understanding. He added that with his boards now in place, he is looking forward to working with players and stakeholders in the ICT industry, and looking at strategic directions.
By launching its Corporate Plan (2020-2024), the department has enabled them to undergo a comprehensive structure and enables the department to be more responsive to the sector and to give areas in the field of data protection, digital government, information security, and data governance.
“By 2021, we have two main mobile operators and that is Digicel PNG and a merger-in progress entity Bmobile/Telikom and a surge in the number of license applications,” Masiu said. “The time has come for us to focus on developing local digital content to showcase our unique cultures and traditions and identity as Papua New Guineans.”
Masiu said that a functioning department is very important for clearer ICT Policy and legislative department, implementation oversight and currency, among others. More work has to be done, he said and is looking forward to doing more.
