Supported through the long-running Incentive Fund, a new resource the Australian Government is pleased to announce a Joint Project Team to progress the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative, following endorsement by the National Executive Council.
The Joint Project Team recently held a ‘kick‑off’ meeting to progress arrangements. The Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative will strengthen PNG’s connection to the global digital network, improve internet reliability and affordability, and support a more competitive telecommunications market creating new opportunities for communities, businesses and investors in PNG.
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The three new proposed international cables will help Papua New Guineans stay connected in their daily lives and drive digital service growth in key sectors like health, education, tourism, and trade.
To support the nation’s digital future, the project will operate within an open and fair wholesale market.
This will strengthen international investors’ confidence in Papua New Guinea as an attractive location for investment.
The Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative aligns closely with the work underway on PNG’s Telecommunications Blueprint, which was agreed to be undertaken by both governments in 2025 during the 31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum. The Blueprint will set out the vision for a connected, secure, and future-ready digital nation and identify broader investment and reform to meet PNG’s unique geographic and economic challenges.
Australia and Papua New Guinea remain committed – side by side, step by step – to supporting PNG’s digital transformation.
Further information to be shared in the coming months.
Department of ICT Secretary, Mr. Steven Matainaho:
“The Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative, forged through the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, marks a pivotal step in our nation’s digital transformation. By working together, we are unlocking better access to reliable, high-speed internet – opening doors for our people in health, education, innovation, and beyond. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to building a connected and inclusive future for all Papua New Guineans.”
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, His Excellency Ewen McDonald:
“Australia is proud to stand side by side with Papua New Guinea to improve reliability and affordability of internet, through the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative. PNG’s leadership, combined with our enduring partnership, is making possible a connected and resilient future – ensuring businesses and communities right across the country can thrive as part of the global digital economy.”
Quote from the Acting Head of the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), Rachael Moore:
“The collaboration between Australia and Papua New Guinea is at the heart of the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative. Together, we are creating new opportunities for economic growth and social inclusion, fostering competition and innovation, and ensuring the benefits of digital connectivity reach communities across PNG.”
Background:
Australia and Papua New Guinea have a strong history of digital collaboration, with Australia investing over AUD3 billion in PNG’s digital infrastructure since 2018 – including the joint establishment of the PNG National Cyber Security Centre, the construction of the Coral Sea Cable, Telstra’s acquisition of Digicel, and broader coverage expansion, policy and regulatory support and cyber security training. These efforts have strengthened PNG’s digital ecosystem and paved the way for the next major milestone in our shared history: the Pukpuk Connectivity Initiative.