Photo credit: RNZ - Timothy Masiu
According to Information Communications Technology Timothy Masiu, the introduction of two new telecoms providers into the nation would likely lower internet rates.
According to Masiu, internet rates in the country are not falling as quickly as planned.
However, he believes that once Telstra and Digitec-Vodafone join the PNG market, internet costs will alter.
Masiu stated that the National Information and Communication Technology Agency (Nicta) and Internet Service Providers (ISP) were collaborating to fix the situation.
“A lot of people are complaining and I am worried that this (internet price decrease) is not happening quickly,” he said.
“There are factors and issues that needs to be looked at.
“Nicta does its due diligence very cohesively to make sure that no one is being misled and no unnecessary burden is being put on our people especially at this very time.
“With the Digicel acquisition by Telstra coming in, and Digitec-Vodafone coming up, there’s going to be some very important changes in the internet (prices).”
Nicta's chief executive officer, Kila Gulo-Vui, said that a public inquiry into retail internet prices had been launched.
“That process will determine the kind of levels of prices for voice, data,” he said.
“There is a discussion paper and we expect the operators and interested parties to make submissions.
“Decisions by Nicta are based on evidence.
“We will make decisions and regulatory interventions based on facts and not on speculations.”
Reference: The National (12 April 2022). “Entry of telecom companies likely to cut internet prices: Masiu”.
