A new five-year strategic partnership between state-owned wholesale telecommunications provider PNG DataCo Limited and Gobo All-Girls School of Excellence in Jimi, Jiwaka Province, is set to expand digital infrastructure investment in Papua New Guinea’s education sector, with a focus on improving access, connectivity, and ICT capacity for young women.
The agreement, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Master Service Agreement (MSA) on 13 April 2026, outlines a structured collaboration aimed at strengthening digital learning environments and supporting long-term education outcomes.
From a business and infrastructure standpoint, the deal positions PNG DataCo as a key enabler of digital transformation within the school system, extending its wholesale connectivity services into the education sector. The partnership will see DataCo deploy a full suite of ICT infrastructure at the school, including 50 desktop computers for students and 15 laptops for teachers, alongside the installation of a satellite terminal to deliver high-speed internet connectivity.
In addition, the company will roll out campus-wide Wi-Fi integrated with cybersecurity and content-filtering systems—an increasingly important component as schools adopt online learning tools while managing digital risks.
The commercial structure of the agreement reflects a blended investment model. PNG DataCo will absorb part of the upfront costs by waiving 50% of installation fees and subsidising internet services for the first four months. Gobo All-Girls School will contribute K15,000 plus GST towards installation and assume ongoing service costs after the initial subsidy period, signalling shared financial responsibility and sustainability beyond the rollout phase.
As part of the implementation framework, PNG DataCo will undertake a full site survey, provide technical support services, and oversee installation and commissioning. Meanwhile, the school will invest in enabling infrastructure such as secure facilities, power supply, and civil works, as well as appoint an ICT focal point to manage operations and enforce digital safety protocols.
The agreement includes provisions for periodic review and potential extension, while maintaining commercial flexibility through a one-month termination clause for either party.
For PNG DataCo, the partnership aligns with broader national objectives around digital inclusion and connectivity expansion, while also opening pathways for similar public-private or institutional collaborations in the education sector. For the school, the investment significantly enhances its digital learning capability and positions it as a model for ICT-integrated education in the country.
Both parties have committed to ongoing compliance with regulatory standards and to the potential development of additional agreements to support specific aspects of the rollout.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition of digital infrastructure as a critical enabler of human capital development, particularly in empowering young women through equitable access to technology and education.
