Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Between the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) and the State-Owned Enterprise (SoE) Company, DataCo PNG Ltd

MEDIA RELEASE

Venue: Works 4 Mile Head Quarters | Executive Conference Room

Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm

Date: Friday 6th June 2025

Distinguished Guest, partners, colleagues, participants, staff, Ladies and Gentlemen.

First and foremostly I would like to acknowledge the presence of the DataCo PNG Ltd Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Paul Komboi, GCL, OBE with your management and staff for gracing us today with your presence.

On behalf of Department of Works & Highways, I welcome you all to this important occasion of the MoU signing today. A special thanks and appreciation to you Mr. Komboi and your team to take the lead in putting together this very important MoU that will see greater collaboration between our two agencies, because we need each other to successfully deliver the Connect PNG Economic Infrastructure Investment Program of Government.

The official signing of this MoU marks a significant occasion from the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) space and also at the inter-agency level of Government collaboration on implementing the Connect PNG Telecommunication System Project for the first time since 1975, as the country celebrates its 50 years of Independence in September 16th 2025. 

This MoU signing will conclude our ongoing theoretical discussions and integrate into implementing ICT projects to support the Connect PNG Economic Infrastructure Development Program which is a multi-sectoral flagship policy of Government. Department of Works and Highways mandated under the Road (Funding & Implementation) Act 2020 to build road and bridge infrastructure nationwide while other agencies of Government can come into make investments, and in this case in point, DataCo PNG Limited has taken the right approach through this MoU signing today. 

DataCo PNG Ltd is incorporated under the Companies Act as a wholly owned State-Owned Enterprise agency responsible for building, owning, operating and maintaining the National Transmission Network (‘’NTN’’) and Data Centers, Cloud Infrastructure, and associated digital infrastructure services in PNG.

The MoU outlines the framework for our collaboration, particularly in implementing the Connect PNG Telecommunications System Project – an ariel fiber network distribution strategy that aligns with the Connect PNG Program. Through this partnership, we aim to integrate telecommunications infrastructure development alongside national road corridors, supporting the Government’s vision of improving both physical and digital connectivity across Papua New Guinea.

Secondly, DoWH and DataCo PNG Ltd have agreed to establish a formal framework of collaboration to improve the country’s road network and overall infrastructure to stimulate economic activities and enhanced service delivery across urban to rural communities whilst initiating the Connect PNG Telecommunication System Project, the ariel fiber network distribution strategy an integrated digital infrastructure service within the national road corridors to support digital transformation in the PNG infrastructure sector.

The purpose and objective of this MoU is to provide a general framework to facilitate the partnership arrangements between DataCo PNG Ltd and DoWH. This MoU will ensure collaboration and cooperation between the signing parties in achieving their respective objectives and functions under relevant Laws, regulations, policies and procedures of each signing parties. 

The Scope of the MoU between both parties to establish a working arrangement relating to; 

• Implementation of the Connect PNG Telecommunication System Project
• Identifying opportunities to install fiber optic cables and other ICT infrastructure along major road corridors
• Ensuring digital connectivity is embedded in all major infrastructure developments under Connect PNG program
• Assist DoWH is adopting digital solutions for project planning, execution, and monitoring 
• Partnering on specific projects under the Connect PNG program where digital connectivity is essential 
• Establishing working groups to oversee project implementation and ensure alignment with national infrastructure goals 

Finally, DoWH obligation is to identify the priority projects where digital infrastructure can be integrated and provide access to project sites and relevant data to support ICT Infrastructure development within the national road corridors to stimulate economic investment and activities.

Thank you all for your attendance today. 

God Bless you all.

GIBSON HOLEMBA, FIEPNG, REG, ENG

Secretary 

Department of Works & Highways