After 15 years of service, the link of Papua New Guinea to the outside world - through PNG-2 submarine cable - has been decommissioned.
According to Minister for State-Owned Enterprises William Duma, this has been a symbol of the relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia - but things must come to an end. “We have reached the end of an era from 2005 to 2021, 16 years of efficient service in communication that has brought benefits, especially to our country PNG,” he said. “Our government and our country are grateful to the never-ending assistance from the Government and the people of Australia.”
Kumul Telikom Holdings acting managing director Jessie Wangua said that this occasion marks the transitioning in technological transformation. “At the backdrop of APEC 2018 with the theme “Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future,” our government has invested time, resources and financial capital to fuel growth and transformation across key sectors of the economy,” he said. “Decommissioning of APNG2 cable means we have transformed. It is a tangible outcome. We now have a more modern cable infrastructure with improved electronic systems and ample capacity to meet current and future voice and data requirements.”
DataCo chief executive officer Paul Komboi said: “This submarine cable system achieved over its lifespan a remarkable record for error-free performance and ultra-reliability. An outstanding achievement and testimony to the integrity of the original Alcatel S560 submarine cable design.”
This cable system originally connected Australia to Guam and in late 2006, commissioning tests were completed and in 2007, the cable carried live traffic.
