Comments

Why are workers from PNG so under- represented in the Pacific Labour Scheme?

Thank you, Maun Charlie for your consistent view in challenging this oil-dependent government. You mentioned that "Much of the oil money has paid foreign companies to build large infrastructure projects." I was just wondering if the foreign companies you referred to are mostly Chinese or others, please? This group of companies may give us clue of decision makers to grow their influence in such a way that favors certain gains in the general election later on. I do agree the National Strategic Development Plan is outdated. It is under review now. Do you have any information on this, please? Citizens must be informed and so that voters vote based on reliable data and informed decision making. Thank you, Maun Charlie.

All that matters for Australian government is that the deal prevents another Chinese company operating in PNG. All that matters for Telstra is that it has taken over a monopoly paid for largely by the government, with a possibility to make some profit. Consideration for PNG people is secondary, or perhaps none. And all that matters for most PNGeans is a hope that Telstra doesn’t rip them off like Digicel does.

What predatory practice are you talking about?

Why is PNG government turning a blind eye on this very important matter?

Good job guys, at least an insight is presented. However, I am quite curious as to why a little less have opted for "experience" than "good policies".

I agree that the purchase is merely a move to counter China's emerging dominance in the Pacific. However, certain segments of its business such as the towers should be looked into for local acquisition

It's an interesting scenario, as I don't think Digicel even really use the coral sea cable as the cost to use it has remained too high for many of the retail ISPs, as it's controlled by the other monopoly, namely Dataco that controls the international cable gateway and the domestic cables. Digicel and some of the other Internet providers have committed to satellite providers. Dataco should be making access to international connections widely accessible and affordable, as promised with the largely grant funded Coral sea cable, but have a whopping debt to service with China Exim bank for the Kumul domestic submarine cable, which should be an amazing infrastructure, except its broken in a couple of places going into Lae, and its services remote provinces without much market, or rather much purchasing power to pay above minimum prices... Telstra is, of course a player in the Coral Sea cable, so it will be interesting how it plays its cards, as at the moment it's gained a very unrelated mobile system and technology. Digicel has spent a lot of money opening up the domestic market, today and regain a return on capital by fair means or perhaps foul, but then how does one break even on servicing the remoter centres. The other companies currently and invariably will focus on the more lucrative hubs. But PNG needs to keep the rural centres connected, they're so abandoned by all other public and private goods... but 2 disconnected monopoly type arrangements isn't the outcome needs, especially if both are teetering for various reasons. We had a 3rd company entering in 2007 (Greencom) but they promptly ran off when they saw how Digicel were flooding the place. VODAPHONE (version3)-Fiji Telekom will need to be v nimble to make a real mark, while Telstra will have to be very adept if they're to operate effectively in this new field... but I agree that various conditions - public service obligations - should at least be linked to this loan/grant...

Thought it would be cheaper. Digicel keep showing that they are not making any money. Too the problem with Digicel in PNG is that it is too expensive compare to other pacific nations like Fiji. But when asked, they say PNG is too mountainous, no roads, etc. Digicel makes no sense when compared to countries with similar environment to PNG.

Very insightful letter Anne Moorhead. It is a pity that the small operators working closely with local communities and families have had to suffer first. I hope you will all survive and bounce back with vigor once the pandemic passes. Suliana ( Waimakare Farm, Wailoku)

Hi Tess, it was a bit confusing for us as well. In that, even though the respondents are fairly educated, when it comes to factors that determine how they allocate/will allocate their preferences, the level of education of the candidate doesn’t feature prominently for the first (8%) and second (11%) preference. This sentiment is consistent with the results of the Port Moresby by-election. There were a few candidates with PhDs, and a former Chief Justice, who didn’t do well. Though the winner was a lawyer, there are other factors like association with PM’s party, being a local Motuan etc.

I hope poor network of digicel will improve in rural areas, its tough because quality service of mobile. ALL the best DIGICEL.