ACTING ICT MINISTER LAUNCHES THREE NICTA UAS PROJECTS IN SIMBU

Acting Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Minister for Internal Security, Peter Tsiamalili, recently launched three major ICT initiatives in Simbu Province.

The initiatives are part of the Universal Access Service (UAS) Connect the School Project, delivered by the National ICT Authority (NICTA).

Schools benefitting from the project included Kundiawa Nursing College, Kondom Agundo Memorial High School, and Kondiu Rosary Secondary School, each of which will be equipped with state-of-the-art ICT resources, specifically, fixed broadband connectivity powered by solar energy, 20 desktop computers, laptops, and two years of fully funded bandwidth.

The initiative aims to provide students in these schools with access to modern educational tools and the digital resources necessary for academic success.

Minister Tsiamalili, in his speech at the launch event, praised all stakeholders involved in the delivery of the project, emphasizing its importance for the future of education in the region.

“Today marks a defining step forward in our nation’s vision to bridge the digital divide and ensure that no child in Papua New Guinea is left behind in the information age.”

“The launch of the Universal Access and Service project is not merely a milestone. It is a demonstration of our government’s unwavering commitment to education, connectivity, and most importantly, equity.”

Highlighting the project’s broader impact, the Minister said the government’s efforts to ensure inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready access to ICT are central to the country’s development.

He described the launch of the UAS Connect the School projects in Simbu as a tangible step towards ensuring digital inclusivity for students across PNG.

“This initiative will deliver internet connectivity, ICT equipment, and digital training to selected schools across the province.”

“It is not just about installing infrastructure, it is about planting seeds of knowledge, curiosity, and ambition.”

The project is aligned with PNG’s national policy direction, specifically the Digital Act of 2022 and the PNG Digital Transformation Policy, which call for increased digital inclusivity across all provinces and regions.