The partnership between Papua New Guinea’s National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) Universal Access and Service (UAS) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a collaborative effort focused on expanding ICT access and development within the country. NICTA, through its UAS initiatives, strives to bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved regions, by deploying necessary infrastructure and services.

The ITU’s involvement aligns with its global mandate to connect the world, providing support and expertise to NICTA’s projects. This partnership is implemented through specific development projects, often funded in part by the UAS Fund, which subsidizes the costs of infrastructure, network deployment, and human resource development. These projects aim to increase access to broadband, mobile internet, and other essential ICT services.

NICTA’s “Projects in Partnership” program specifically highlights the collaboration with the ITU, indicating a structured approach to implementing joint initiatives. These projects are designed to deliver tangible improvements in ICT connectivity and access, ultimately contributing to Papua New Guinea’s overall development.

The core objective of this partnership is to ensure that all citizens of Papua New Guinea, regardless of their location, can benefit from the opportunities presented by ICT. By combining NICTA’s local knowledge and implementation capabilities with the ITU’s global expertise and resources, the partnership aims to create a more connected and digitally inclusive nation.