Papua New Guinea has officially cleared the way for 5G mobile services, with the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) confirming that 5G spectrum is now available to qualified mobile operators.
NICTA Board Chairman Brian Bridges made the announcement, saying the regulator is ready to issue licences for 5G mobile services in the country.
“I’m very pleased to announce today that NICTA is ready to issue licences for 5G mobile services in Papua New Guinea,” Bridges said.
The spectrum being made available covers the 2.6 gigahertz and 3.5 gigahertz bands, which can support both 4G and 5G services.
The decision follows several years of legal, technical and regulatory work by NICTA. The regulator carried out spectrum planning, market assessments, industry consultations and reviews of international practice before establishing the licensing framework.
NICTA said the allocation of the spectrum is intended to support investment, competition and better mobile services for consumers.
The move puts PNG among more than 150 countries that had launched or soft-launched 5G networks by July, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association.
For mobile users, 5G is expected to provide faster speeds, lower delays, greater network capacity and more reliable connections. The technology can also support a wider range of digital services as demand for mobile data continues to grow.
The impact is expected to go beyond mobile phone users.
NICTA said improved connectivity will support the Government’s digital transformation plans, including online government services, digital education, digital healthcare and the growth of private-sector technology and electronic commerce.
Businesses are also expected to benefit through improved access to cloud services, digital platforms and regional and international markets.
The licensing framework includes rollout requirements to ensure the benefits of the new spectrum extend beyond major urban centres.
Vodafone is committed to rolling out 5G across the National Capital District and at least one additional city within 18 months. Its rollout targets include reaching at least 20 percent of PNG’s population within 36 months and 30 percent within 60 months.
Operators acquiring high-demand spectrum will also be required to extend 4G coverage to 20 new sites identified under the Universal Access and Service Program.
NICTA said revenue from the spectrum licences will be used to support efforts to improve connectivity in underserved and unserved communities.
The regulator will continue to monitor spectrum use, network performance, quality of service and compliance with the licensing conditions. Operators that fail to meet their obligations may face enforcement action and penalties.
NICTA CEO Polume said the announcement is part of the regulator’s continued work to create a regulatory environment that supports digital transformation, innovation and consumer welfare.
The 5G licensing decision is also part of wider spectrum reforms being undertaken by NICTA. Future work will include additional high-demand spectrum, satellite and non-terrestrial network services, as well as greater opportunities for licence-exempt and Wi-Fi services.
Bridges said the licensing of the spectrum marks a new stage in PNG’s digital development.
“Today marks an important milestone in Papua New Guinea’s digital journey,” he said.
The next step will be for licensed operators to plan and deploy their 5G networks while NICTA oversees compliance with the conditions attached to the spectrum licences.
For PNG, the launch of the 5G licensing framework opens the door to a new generation of mobile connectivity and further development of the country’s digital economy.