Telikom Ltd. has secured a K27.2 million grant from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) to modernize its internal business systems and strengthen its capacity to deliver digital services across Papua New Guinea.
The grant agreement was signed at Telikom Rumana in Port Moresby on Monday, October 12, as the state-owned telecommunications provider advances its digital transformation program.
Telikom said the funding would support improvements to its business systems and operations, helping the company become more efficient and better equipped to meet customers' needs.
The investment forms part of a broader transformation program that includes improving connectivity, developing cloud data center capabilities and expanding access to digital services.
Telikom Chief Executive Officer Amos Tepi, OBE, reaffirmed the company's commitment to improving operational efficiency and building a more customer-focused telecommunications provider.
Expanding digital services
Telikom is also pursuing developments in digital financial services, artificial intelligence, cloud data centers and Starlink satellite connectivity as part of its broader digital ambitions.
Cloud data centers can support the storage, management and processing of digital information, while artificial intelligence offers opportunities to automate business processes and improve service delivery.
Satellite internet services could also help extend connectivity to remote communities where conventional telecommunications infrastructure is difficult or expensive to establish.
Expanding reliable telecommunications services is particularly important for PNG, where geographical challenges can limit access to communication networks. Improved connectivity can support government agencies delivering online services and exchanging information, while enabling businesses to adopt digital payments and online platforms.
The grant is intended to strengthen Telikom's internal systems and operational capacity, providing a foundation for the company to support future digital services as the country develops its digital economy.
Australia-PNG cooperation
The funding agreement also reflects cooperation between Australia and PNG in developing telecommunications infrastructure and digital services.
Telikom acknowledged the support of the Australian government, the Australian High Commission, the PNG government and Kumul Consolidated Holdings in securing the grant.
The next stage will involve implementing the planned improvements using the funding, with the company seeking to strengthen its operations and improve services for customers nationwide.
