PORT MORESBY, 24 September 2026
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) welcomes the decision by Ok Tedi Mining Limited to deploy advanced ArcSAR Neo slope-monitoring radar technology as an important step towards strengthening mine safety, operational efficiency and technology-driven decision-making.
Ok Tedi’s deployment of two ArcSAR Neo systems demonstrates how Papua New Guinea’s major industries can harness digital technology to improve the way they operate. The technology provides more detailed monitoring of mine slopes and ground conditions and is designed to support earlier identification and management of geotechnical risks. The system can also continue monitoring during network interruptions, providing an additional layer of operational resilience.
NICTA CEO Lume Polume said Ok Tedi’s investment demonstrates the growing importance of technology in improving productivity, safety and business performance in PNG.
“I commend Ok Tedi Mining Limited for embracing advanced digital technology and demonstrating what is possible when technology is placed at the centre of industrial operations. This is not simply an investment in a piece of equipment; it is an investment in safer operations, better information, better decision-making and greater efficiency.”
He said the move by Ok Tedi forms part of a wider trend across PNG, where mining, resources and other project developers are increasingly looking at advanced connectivity technologies to overcome the challenges of operating in some of the country’s most remote and difficult environments.
Several projects and businesses are exploring or deploying technologies such as OneWeb, Starlink, fibre, advanced wireless networks, IoT and, increasingly interest for 5G to improve connectivity and support digital operations.
“We are seeing a fundamental shift in how businesses think about connectivity. Connectivity is no longer simply about people making phone calls or accessing the internet. It is increasingly about connecting machines, sensors, vehicles, monitoring systems, artificial intelligence and business platforms in real time.”
Papua New Guinea has now reached an important milestone with NICTA confirming its readiness to license 5G mobile services. The 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum bands have been assessed and cleared for licensing, creating opportunities for operators and businesses to deploy next-generation connectivity.
The CEO encouraged mining companies, project developers, manufacturers, financial institutions, agriculture businesses, logistics operators and other major economic sectors to examine how advanced digital technologies can improve productivity and reduce operating costs.
“With 5G now opening a new chapter for Papua New Guinea, businesses and industries must begin thinking beyond connectivity for people and look at connectivity for machines, infrastructure and intelligent systems.”
“The opportunity is to use technology to do more with less to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, strengthen safety, lower operating costs and ultimately improve business performance and returns.”
NICTA’s role, Mr Polume said, is to ensure that Papua New Guinea’s regulatory environment keeps pace with this technological transformation and provides the certainty necessary for investment and innovation.
NICTA has been modernising its regulatory and institutional framework to support investment, innovation, competition and sustainable growth in the ICT sector. The Authority is also progressing several legislative and regulatory reforms aimed at ensuring that the legal environment governing PNG’s communications and digital economy remains fit for purpose.
These reforms are expected to progress to the November 2026 Parliament sitting, subject to the required Government and parliamentary processes.
“Our responsibility as the regulator is not to stand in the way of technology. Our responsibility is to create a regulatory environment that gives investors certainty, protects consumers, manages risks and allows innovation to flourish.”
Mr Polume said NICTA will continue engaging with industry and other economic sectors to understand their connectivity requirements and ensure that the country’s telecommunications framework supports emerging technologies.
He said the digital transformation of PNG’s economy would require a partnership between Government, regulators, telecommunications operators, technology providers and industry.
“NICTA will continue to challenge and encourage industry to think differently about technology. We want to see technology deployed not simply because it is new, but because it solves real problems, improves productivity, creates economic value and helps PNG businesses compete in a modern digital economy.”
The NICTA CEO said Ok Tedi’s latest technology investment provides an important example of how PNG-owned businesses can embrace innovation and apply advanced technology to complex operational challenges.
“Ok Tedi has shown that Papua New Guinean businesses can adopt leading global technologies and apply them to our own unique operating environment. This is the type of innovation and digital transformation we want to see replicated across other industries and project areas throughout the country.”
NICTA will continue working to ensure that Papua New Guinea’s digital infrastructure and regulatory environment are capable of supporting the next generation of economic activity from mining and resources to agriculture, logistics, aviation, financial services, education, health and government.
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