Telecom Broadband Fiber Optic Cable Coverage in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea's broadband network, managed by PNG DataCo, spans over 12,000 km of fiber optic cables, covering 44 districts directly and reaching 70% of districts through fiber and satellite infrastructure. National Transmission Network (NTN)PNG DataCo operates the National Transmission Network (NTN), which includes more than 12,000 km of fiber optic cables connecting all 22 provinces and currently reaching 48 of the 96 districts directly via terrestrial fiber. The network also integrates 14 cable landing stations along the Kumul Submarine Cable Network, providing international connectivity to Australia and the Solomon Islands, and the Coral Sea Cable, linking PNG with Australia and the Solomon Islands.

This infrastructure supports low-latency, high-capacity broadband services for both government and enterprise users. District and Population CoveragePNG DataCo's network spans 67 out of 96 districts, with 44 districts connected via fiber optic and 23 districts via satellite, achieving a 70% district connectivity rate. While 80% of the population is notionally covered by broadband, actual mobile penetration remains lower, at 30–40%, highlighting ongoing efforts to increase adoption.

Mobile and Carrier-

Neutral Expansion

To bridge connectivity gaps, PNG DataCo is collaborating with local governments to build 500 carrier-neutral mobile towers over three years, enabling mobile operators like Telikom, Digicel, and Vodafone to expand coverage economically. This initiative complements the fiber network by extending broadband access to remote and underserved areas. International ConnectivityPNG DataCo maintains six international Points of Presence (POPs) in Australia, Guam, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, sourcing Tier 1 IP transit and peering services.

These international links enhance global communication capabilities and support the growing demand for digital services in PNG.

Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure

The company operates tier-three data centers in Port Moresby and Madang, along with 51 satellite infrastructures, providing essential services for government, enterprise, and ISPs.

PN

G DataCo's ongoing investment of K592 million over three years aims to expand the NTN to all provinces by 2027, further modernizing the country's telecommunications landscape.

Summary

Papua New Guinea has made significant progress in fiber optic broadband deployment, with PNG DataCo leading the expansion of the National Transmission Network. While most of the population is covered in principle, actual usage and mobile adoption are still growing. The combination of fiber, satellite, and mobile tower infrastructure ensures that PNG is steadily improving connectivity, bridging the digital divide, and enhancing access to high-speed internet across the country.