Papua New Guinea Ready to Issue 5G Licences in 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz Bands
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Papua New Guinea’s National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) is ready to issue 5G spectrum licences in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands to qualified mobile operators.
The regulator established the framework after completing legal, technical, and market assessments, clearing both frequency bands for concurrent 4G and 5G service rollouts across the country.
Universal Access and Coverage Obligations
Licence conditions require operators including Vodafone PNG and Digicel PNG, which completed readiness testing in July, to extend 4G coverage to 20 new sites under the Universal Access and Service Program.
Under the mandate, carriers cannot confine capital expenditure solely to high-yield cities. Operators must absorb the cost of widening base connectivity across remote provinces while commercialising premium data speeds.
Carrier Timelines and Network Commitments
Vodafone PNG pledged to activate 5G services in the National Capital District and at least one additional city within 18 months of licensing. It committed to covering 20 per cent of the national population within 36 months. That expands to 30 per cent within 60 months.
Digicel PNG confirmed technical preparedness ahead of the awards, completing end-to-end 5G network trials on its existing architecture. Competition between the two operators now shifts toward high-capacity broadband links and enterprise digital connectivity rather than basic voice and mobile data pricing.
Wider Spectrum and Satellite Reforms
Planning reviews and technical alignment with international telecommunication standards preceded the release. Digicel established its local network readiness during testing in July. Hardware installation can begin as soon as authorities formally execute the frequency grants.
Regulators will monitor rollout milestones and enforcement across both assigned bands. Next, the authority will draft allocation policies for additional high-demand spectrum, satellite-delivered non-terrestrial network services, and unlicensed frequency bands for public Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Questions & Answers
Q.What obligations do operators have when rolling out 4G and 5G services in Papua New Guinea?
What obligations do operators have when rolling out 4G and 5G services in Papua New Guinea?
Operators must extend 4G coverage to 20 new sites under the Universal Access and Service Program. They cannot solely focus capital expenditure on high-yield cities, needing to absorb the cost of widening base connectivity across remote provinces.
Q.What are Vodafone PNG's specific commitments for 5G rollout after receiving a licence?
What are Vodafone PNG's specific commitments for 5G rollout after receiving a licence?
Vodafone PNG committed to activating 5G services in the National Capital District and at least one other city within 18 months. It also pledged to cover 20 per cent of the national population within 36 months, expanding to 30 per cent within 60 months.
Q.What will be the primary area of competition between Vodafone PNG and Digicel PNG going forward?
What will be the primary area of competition between Vodafone PNG and Digicel PNG going forward?
Competition between the two operators will shift towards high-capacity broadband links and enterprise digital connectivity. It will no longer primarily focus on basic voice and mobile data pricing.
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