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NICTA Clarifies Regulatory Status of Starlink Services in Papua New Guinea.

PRESS RELEASE |NICTA Clarifies Regulatory Status of Starlink Services in Papua New Guinea.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – December 2025
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) wishes to clarify the regulatory position regarding Starlink satellite internet services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and to address misinformation currently circulating in the public domain.
On 11 December 2025, NICTA formally instructed SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink Internet Services PNG Limited, to cease the provision of Starlink satellite services in Papua New Guinea. This instruction was issued in accordance with NICTA’s statutory obligations under the National Information and Communications Technology Act 2009.
Licensing Status of Starlink in PNG
Starlink is currently not licensed to operate in Papua New Guinea. Despite this, NICTA has observed ongoing importation, supply, installation, and use of Starlink terminals across the country over recent months.
NICTA reiterates that any importation, supply, installation, or use of Starlink terminals or related satellite internet equipment without a valid licence or authorisation issued by NICTA is strictly prohibited and unlawful. Such activities constitute offences under the Act and relevant regulations.
Accordingly, NICTA warns that any person or entity engaging in these activities is in breach of the law and may be subject to enforcement action, including prosecution.
Court Proceedings and Ombudsman Directive
NICTA wishes to make it unequivocally clear that the absence of a Starlink licence in PNG is not due to regulatory unwillingness or inaction by NICTA.
NICTA had completed negotiations with Starlink, and the licensing process was at an advanced stage and nearing completion, when the process was halted as a result of a formal directive issued by the Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea in March 2024, which expressly prohibits NICTA from issuing a licence to Starlink.
As a result of this directive, NICTA is legally restrained from licensing Starlink until the matter is resolved.
To address this restriction, NICTA has commenced court proceedings challenging the Ombudsman Commission’s directive. The matter was heard by the National Court on 5 September 2025, and a decision is still pending.
Until either:
• the Ombudsman Commission withdraws or lifts its directive, or
• the Court hands down a determination allowing the licensing to proceed,
NICTA is legally unable to issue a licence to Starlink, regardless of commercial or technical readiness.
Service Suspension and Public Response
On 16 December 2025, SpaceX disabled Starlink satellite services to Papua New Guinea. In its service notification to users, Social Media encouraged customers to express support for its full approval in PNG, including through an online petition.
NICTA has since received over 160 direct responses from users, which indicates that a significant number of individuals have been using Starlink services unlawfully. NICTA reminds the public that unlicensed use of telecommunications services is an offence, and these matters will be addressed in accordance with the law.
NICTA’s Position Going Forward
NICTA reaffirms that it remains ready and willing to license Starlink once the legal impediment is resolved. NICTA has acted in good faith throughout the process and continues to support the expansion of innovative, reliable, and affordable connectivity solutions for Papua New Guinea—within the framework of the law.
Until the current legal proceedings are concluded, the importation, supply, installation, operation, or use of Starlink terminals or services in Papua New Guinea remains strictly prohibited.
NICTA will continue to enforce the Act and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against non-compliance.
Authorised by
Polume Lume,Acting CEO
The National ICT Authority (NICTA)

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Public notices

National ICT Indicators Report 2025

Thursday 11 December 2025, Port Moresby. I am pleased to present the National ICT Indicators Report 2025, the second edition of Papua New Guinea’s National ICT Indicators publication. This report provides the ICT industry sector performance overview and key developments over the period 2020 to 2024 and reaffirms NICTA’s commitment to maintaining an evidence-based approach to ICT regulation and sector oversight.
Since the publication of the inaugural edition in 2022, Papua New Guinea’s ICT industry has continued to evolve. Major structural changes including the amalgamation of Telikom PNG Limited and Bmobile Limited, the transfer of Telikom PNG Limited’s wholesale assets to PNG DataCo Limited, and the entry of new operators such as Vodafone PNG (Digitec Communications Limited) and Telstra Limited have reshaped the sector’s competitive dynamics. These developments, together with the operational impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the increasing need for accurate, reliable and timely data to guide policy, regulation, and long-term planning.
Despite challenges in data availability and reporting consistency, this edition of the report presents key indicators covering investment, infrastructure expansion, network coverage, affordability, and service uptake. Over the five year period, total sector investment remained strong at K1.64 billion, driven in part by significant capital expenditure following Vodafone PNG’s entry in 2022.
Infrastructure growth was substantial during the same year, with the construction of 539 new mobile towers, contributing to wider network reach and employment growth across the sector.
However, the findings also highlight areas requiring continued attention. Although infrastructure expanded, mobile population coverage declined from 86% in 2022 to 77% in 2024, signaling persistent gaps in digital accessibility. Affordability remains a challenge for many Papua New Guineans, with mobile broadband prices still above the affordable price target based on an affordability study conducted by NICTA in 2024 to 2025.
To address gaps in operator reporting, NICTA employed statistical estimation and forecasting methods to ensure that national trends are presented as accurately as possible. Strengthening compliance with reporting obligations remains a priority, and NICTA will continue working with licensees to improve data quality and the overall integrity of national ICT statistics.
I would like to sincerely thank the telecommunications operators, wholesale service providers, Internet Service Providers, Broadcasters, Narrowcasters and all ICT stakeholders who contributed directly and indirectly in the support of the publication of this report. I also commend the NICTA team for their commitment to producing this report under challenging circumstances.
As we look ahead, NICTA remains focused on enhancing regulatory frameworks, improving data collection processes, and supporting the development of a more connected, inclusive, and affordable digital future for Papua New Guinea.
National ICT Indicator Report 2025 is now available on NICTA website, www.nicta.gov.pg .
Mr Polume Lume
Acting CEO, NICTA

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UAS in the News

ICT Minister Congratulates Lume on his Appointment as NICTA’s Acting CEO

Acting Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Peter Tsiamalili Jnr today congratulated and welcomed the appointment of Polume Lume as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National ICT Authority (NICTA).
Acting Minister Tsiamalili when acknowledging Mr. Lume’s appointment, said there is a lot that needs to be done and he is looking forward to working with the Acting CEO to get things in order.
“Mr. Lume has extensive expertise in the sector combined with years of experience in price regulation and ICT market; I am confident with this appointment. I look forward to working with Mr. Lume as this appointment was crucial when there was a vacancy that needed to be filled”, said the Minister in his congratulatory remarks.
Mr. Lume has been elevated from his substantive role as Executive Director Economics, Consumer and International Affairs.
The Chief Executive Officer position was vacant after former CEO, Mr. Kila Gulo Vui’s term expired in October of this year. Mr. Vui served as CEO for a full term.
Mr. Lume will be acting in the position for three months ending 28th January 2026 when a permanent CEO is appointed by the Appointments Committee. The Acting CEO’s appointment was announced through Gazette Notice No. G1200 of 2025 dated 20th November 2025.
Mr.Lume will be acting CEO through to 28 January 2026 or up until a substantive appointment has been made.
The acting CEO has served NICTA for over a decade in senior Executive Management roles and has years of experience in the ICT and regulatory sector. He holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Queensland.
Approved for Release
HON. PETER L. TSIAMALILI, JR., MP
Acting Minister for Information and Communication Technology Minister for Police | Regional Member for Bougainville |
Leader of Government of Business
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Public notices

NICTA Commemorates PNG’s 50th with a Gala Dinner

Monday 6th October .2025, Port Moresby. The National ICT Authority concluded its week-long activities commemorating Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary with a Gala dinner last Saturday.
Highlight of the night was the launch of NICTA’s refreshed logo and rebrand.
More than 200 guests from the industry, government , former and present CEOs and Secretaries , heads of institutions, past and current Board members and industry leaders , development partners and individuals who have contributed to the development of telecommunications and ICT in general were hosted to a night of entertainment and spectacular fireworks.
Acting ICT Minister , Hon.Peter Tsailmlli Jnr’s statement delivered by Secretary for PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology Steven Matainaho that evening paid tribute to all leaders past and present who played pivitol roles in the progress of the ICT sector . He said all advances in the sector made through the years were made possibile through consistant government vision and leadership.
The Acting Minister commended efforts made by NICTA and the Department of ICT in recent years to remain active and significant players in the region and globally.
A challeng for all for the next 50 years was to push for Universal Connectivity. “We must impart digital skills and innovation to our people . Train youth to create apps, platforms businesses for PNG and be innovative in ICT space and beyond”.
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UAS in the News

NEXT GEN ICT SCHOOL EXPO A SUCCESS!

The one-day NEXTGEN ICT School Exposition was a success!
Close to 500 hundred, participants, including students & teachers, exhibitors, sponsors, host and general public shared information on the dynamics of telecommunications in the country.
Information on connectivity, accessibility, infrastructure, all that that is to know about telecommunications, how it happens and why it happens were shared with expo attendees, especially the curios minds.
Exhibition booths covered the sector, from the regulator, NICTA and PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology including all industry players, Vodafone Papua New Guinea, Datec PNG Limited, Digicel, PNG Dataco ,@NBC News PNG and many more.
When opening the Expo, National ICT Authority (NICTA) Chief Executive Officer, Kila Gulo-Vui , highlighted the need to having a digitally aware society. The CEO emphasized on NICTA’s ongoing ICT education programs.
He called on schools and education institutions in the country to partner with the regulator to have a more digitally informed and educated society.
“It is important we make special efforts to accommodate the changes are happening in ICT.NICTA has been on the forefront supporting this agenda. Our flagship, Girls in ICT Scholarship has been running since 2016. NICTA has also gone to the underserved communities, providing connectivity & accessibility to schools through NICTA’s Connect the School Program funded through the Universal Access and Services Fund. These and all other education programs are given by that one agenda”, said the CEO.
More than 200 students from 15 primary and secondary schools in National Capital District and Central Province plus another 20 from Western Pacific University participated in the expo.
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Public notices

Request For Proposal – Connect Our School Project Lots 7 & 8 – Provision of Desktop Computers, Broadband, and Solar Power Services

The National Information Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) invites experienced and reputable suppliers to submit proposals for the following two separate Requests for Proposals (RFPs) under LOTs 7 & 8 of the Connect Our Schools Project (CSP):

  1. Provision of Broadband Connectivity and Solar Power Systems
  • LOT7: RFP# UAS24-RFP-CSPL7-BCSP-v1
  • LOT8: RFP# UAS24-RFP-CSPL8-BCSP-v1
  1. Provision of Desktop Computers
  • LOT7: RFP# UAS24-RFP-CSPL7-DC-v1
  • LOT8: RFP# UAS24-RFP-CSPL8-DC-v1

This initiative aims to enhance digital learning by providing reliable internet connectivity and sustainable energy solutions, along with desktop computers, to students and teachers in underserved schools across the country. The project recognizes the critical role of digital literacy and access to online educational resources in modern education.

Instructions to Bidders:

  1. Provision of Broadband Connectivity and Solar Power Systems

Interested suppliers must demonstrate their capability and experience in delivering both broadband connectivity solutions and power systems to support digital learning in remote schools. Proposals must include a detailed design aligned with technical specifications for connectivity and power, pricing, and delivery timelines.

  1. Provision of Desktop Computers

Interested suppliers must demonstrate their capability and experience in supplying and delivering computers for educational use. Proposals should include a detailed specification of the computers, pricing, and delivery timelines.

The Request For Proposal (RFP) documents, outlining detailed specifications and submission requirements, is available for download on our website: https://www.nicta.gov.pg or https://uas.nicta.gov.pg.

Proposals should be submitted via email ONLY to uas@nicta.gov.pg.

Submission Deadline: 4:30pm 31st October, 2025.

NICTA looks forward to collaborating with dedicated suppliers to advance teaching and learning through this project.

Authorized by:

KILA GULO-VUI
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Issue Date: 02 October 2025
Closing Date: 31 October 2025
Public Notice: View Notice
RFP Document: View Desktop Computers RFP document – Lot 7

View Fixed Broadband Connectivity and Solar Power Systems RFP document – Lot 7

View Desktop Computers RFP document – Lot 8

View Fixed Broadband Connectivity and Solar Power Systems RFP document – Lot 8

View Proposal Guideline for Fixed Broadband

View Proposal Guideline Template for Solar Power System

View Proposal Submission Template
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UAS in the News

NICTA Management and staff gather to mark PNG’s Independence Celebrations

Monday 15th September 2025, Port Moresby. Staff and management of the National ICT Authority (NICTA) gathered last Friday before starting the long Independence weekend. The small gathering over, photo sessions, recital of National Anthem and pledge, messages and food was to kick start Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations.
Staff were graced with messages from the NICTA Board and Management.
NICTA CEO, Kila Gulo-Vui said as we reflect on our 50 years of independence, we reflect on statements made by great leaders of this nation pre-independence.
Mr. Vui was reflecting on a statement made by late chief Sir Kondom Agundo, who once addressed colonial administrators (Whitemen);
“In my village I am chief amongst my people, and I speak in my language, and you laugh at me, but one day my sons will speak your language, and you will listen.”
This message he said has profound meaning today, as we mark 50 years of nationhood, we reflect on how far we have come.
“Today, we can speak their language, we are on same playing field as other nations, we are equal. We should be proud of ourselves, we should be celebrating our freedom, what that has done for us Papua New Guineans,” said Mr.Vui.
The CEO challenged all staff to think about how they can contribute to building this country.
_______________________________________________________________
NICTA Commemorative events to mark PNG’s 50th.
NICTA will be celebrating PNG’s 50th with 2 major commemorative events, starting with an ICT School Expo on the 3rd of October and Gala Dinner on the 4th of October.
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UAS in the News

NICTA CEO officiates at Kondiu Secondary School ICT lab opening

NICTA CEO officiates at Kondiu Secondary School ICT lab opening
National ICT Authority (NICTA) Chief Executive Officer , Kila Gulo-Vui officiated at the launch of a new ICT learning centre for Kondiu Secondary School in Simbu Province.

NICTA CEO was accompanied by a team from Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP). They were joined by other senior NICTA officers and Simbu Education officials.

The launch on Monday ran concurrently with two other launches , Kundiawa Nursing College and Kondom Agundo Memorial High School , all three fall under the same project, delivered through NICTA’s Universal Access and Services (UAS). The other two were launched by Acting Minister for ICT , Hon.Peter Tsiamalili Jnr.

NICTA CEO when addressing staff and memebers of Kondiu community, he informed the audience on how privillaged Kondiu was to be selected out of 10 000 secondary schools and 126 in Simbu alone.

“ The facilities provided will service 1200 students plus over 100 teachers and support staff,” He left them with a challenge to look after this gift. Kondiu and the 2 other institutions received 20 computers each and access to broadband and backup solar power system for braodband infrastructure. This is deleivered under NICTA’s UAS Connect the School Project.

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UAS in the News

Acting ICT Minister launches 3 NICTA UAS Projects in Simbu Province

Minister for Internal Security and Acting Minister for Information and Communication Technology Hon.Peter Tsiamalili today launched three ICT projects delivered by the National ICT Authority ( NICTA) through the Universal Access Service (UAS) Connect the School Project.

The benefiting schools include , Kundiawa Nursing College, Kondom Agundo Memorial High School and Kondiu Rosary Secondary School .
Each school is equipped with fixed broadband connectivity powered by solar energy, 20 desktop computers and laptop and two years of fully funded bandwidth.

While commending all stakeholders involved in delivering this significant project, the Minister highlighted the importance of this initiative its contribution to nation building.

“Today marks a defining step forward in our nation’s vision to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no child in Papua New Guinea is left behind in the information age.The launch of the Universal Access and Service project which connects schools in Simbu Province is not merely a milstone. It is a demonstration of our Government’s unwavering commitment to education, connectivity and most importantly ,equity .”

Minister Tsimalili emphasized on the government’s commitment towards ensuring inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready access to ICT for students across PNG. He said the launch of the UAS Connect the School projects in Simbu is a testament to that vision.
“This initiative will deliver internet connectivity, ICT equipment, and digital training to selected schools across the province. It is not just about installing infrastructure—it is about planting seeds of knowledge, curiosity, and ambition.”

He said Connect the School Project in Simbu will directly impact thousands of students in Simbu, opening pathways to better outcomes and socio economic participation.
“ This is inline with the national policy directionunder the Digital Act of 2022 and the PNG Digital Transformation Policy which calls for digital inclusivity across all provinces and regions.

The Minister stated the Government’s commitment in continuing this initiative emphasizing the need to spread across every districts and provinces.

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UAS in the News

Consultation Workshop – Gaming Control Bill 2025

From 27–29 August 2025, NICTA participated in the National Gaming Control Board’s consultation workshop in Goroka on the Gaming Control Bill 2025.

NICTA was represented by Chief Legal Officer, Oala Moi, and Engineer Networks, Maxwell Badui. Mr. Moi’s participation was fully funded by the NGCB, while Mr. Badui’s participation was funded by NICTA.

At the workshop, NICTA emphasized the importance of robust ICT regulation, cybersecurity safeguards, alignment with international conventions on cybercrime, and protections for vulnerable people engaging in online gaming. These include clear licensing rules, strong compliance monitoring, and public awareness to minimize risks such as fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, and social harm.

NICTA also confirmed that work is progressing on a Memorandum of Understanding with NGCB, which will strengthen cooperation in licensing, compliance, international and domestic cooperation on cybercrime prevention, and safeguarding player interests.

The consultation brought together a wide range of PNG government agencies including the Internal Revenue Commission PNG , Department of Treasury, Department of Finance, Financial Analysis and Supervision Unit of the Bank of PNG, Department of Justice & Attorney General, Office of the State Solicitor, Office of Legislative Counsel, and the Department for Community Development & Religion. Their collaboration underscored the need for a whole-of-government approach to regulating online gaming in PNG.

Together, these contributions will inform Drafting Instructions for the Gaming Control Bill 2025 and help build a gaming sector that is legal, secure, fair, and beneficial for all Papua New Guineans.

#RegulatoryExcellence #Cybersecurity #Cybercrime #ConsumerProtection #InterAgencyCooperation #NICTA #NGCB #GamingControlBill2025 #Goroka

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The Universal Access and Service (UAS) Strategic Plan 2023-2027 builds on the achievements of the 2018-2022 plan, which marked the first strategic framework for the UAS Fund in Papua New Guinea.

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