PNG Prepares All-Government AI Approach

Kumulsoft / Business / PNG Prepares All-Government AI Approach

From government-wide AI plans to Pacific skills and smart public services, the region is building the foundations for a more connected digital future.

This edition spotlights DICT’s call for all government agencies to prepare for the gradual, responsible adoption of AI, with staff, systems, and processes ready to support more productive, transparent public services.
But effective AI needs skilled people, linking the government’s plans to Fiji’s new regional digital-skills hub, which is training workers in AI, networking, and cybersecurity.
It also depends on reliable access and infrastructure, as PNG’s mobile tower-sharing initiative aims to improve connectivity and extend coverage, while PNG and Australia’s telecommunications agreement sets a broader framework for cooperation on digital government, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
Alongside adoption, responsible oversight matters: Australia’s potential legal action against social media platforms highlights the challenges of enforcing rules and protecting users in an increasingly digital environment.

DICT Urges Agencies to Prepare for Government-Wide AI Adoption

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is advancing a coordinated approach to artificial intelligence (AI) across government. Chief Secretary to Government Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu has urged agencies to prepare for its gradual adoption to improve productivity, transparency, and public service delivery.

  • The Government plans to introduce AI progressively across the public service. The Prime Minister’s Department is currently piloting GovAoS, an AI productivity platform.
  • DICT is working with agencies’ Digital Transformation Officers to monitor progress, provide technical guidance, and support compliance with government ICT requirements. Secretary Steven Matainaho said the department is ready to help agencies that have not yet adopted AI.
  • DICT has finalized drafts of the National Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Strategy and the Government AI Adoption Framework. It is also developing a National AI Policy to guide the responsible, secure, and coordinated use of AI across government.

Why it matters

AI adoption will depend on agencies preparing their staff, systems, and processes, with departmental heads responsible for leading that work alongside DICT. The Public Service ICT Steering Committee helps coordinate government ICT planning and compliance, including guidance and updates for participating agencies.

DICT is coordinating a gradual approach to AI adoption across the public service, supported by national strategies, an adoption framework, and a policy in development. The aim is to help agencies use AI responsibly while improving productivity, transparency, and public services. [Read the full story.]

Australia Prepares Lawsuits Against Tech Giants

Australia is preparing civil penalty proceedings against Meta, TikTok, Snap, and YouTube over compliance with its ban on social media for under-16s. The eSafety Commissioner is using new evidence-gathering powers to build a case, though proceedings have not yet been filed.

  • Powers that took effect on September 12 allow the eSafety Commissioner to demand relevant documents and summon current or former platform employees to give evidence under oath.
  • Since December 2025, designated platforms have been required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from holding accounts. The maximum civil penalty is A$109.2 million per violation.
  • Platforms have reported removing or restricting millions of accounts, but studies cited in the story suggest many teenagers still use restricted services. The legal question is whether platforms took reasonable steps—not simply whether under-16s remain on their platforms.

Why it matters
The case could test how courts interpret “reasonable steps” and what evidence is needed to prove non-compliance. The law also faces separate constitutional challenges in Australia’s High Court, with a hearing scheduled for November 2026. A ruling against the government could affect the enforcement action.

Australia is moving from investigating platforms’ compliance with its under-16 social media ban toward possible court proceedings. The outcome may depend on evidence gathered under the regulator’s expanded powers, as well as the pending constitutional challenges. [Read the full story.]

Fiji Opens Pacific Digital Skills Hub as Australia Pledges $28 Million

Fiji has opened a digital skills hub at the University of the South Pacific to train students and workers in artificial intelligence, networking, and cyber-security. The initiative brings together Cisco, USP, and Telecom Fiji, with learning sites planned to connect in Samoa and Vanuatu.

  • Participants will gain hands-on experience and pathways to industry-recognized certifications. Cisco says its Network Academy has supported more than 9,500 students in Fiji.
  • Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said more than 85 per cent of Fijians use the internet, while digital literacy stands at 48 per cent. Government targets include 50 per cent 5G coverage and at least 40,000 digital-economy jobs by 2030.
  • Australian support will contribute to Fiji’s regional digital-economy ambitions, including technical and vocational education and training centers of excellence in Suva.

Why it matters

Fiji is expanding digital infrastructure but needs more skilled workers to build and secure it. A new hub will train people in areas such as fiber, 5G, and satellite connectivity, while efforts should ensure rural and underrepresented communities can access these opportunities.

The new hub is intended to turn Fiji’s digital ambitions into workforce opportunities, with training linked to jobs and industry needs. Australia’s $28 million commitment will support that effort, while Fiji aims to expand digital skills, connectivity, and employment across the country. [Read the full story].

Telecommunications Operators Begin Sharing Mobile Towers in Papua New Guinea

Telecommunications operators in Papua New Guinea have started voluntarily sharing mobile towers to reduce network costs and make better use of existing infrastructure, an initiative welcomed by the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA).

  • NICTA says sharing infrastructure may help operators expand mobile coverage, improve service quality, and make telecommunications services more affordable, particularly in rural and remote communities.
  • The Authority has encouraged companies to consider sharing telecommunications sites, shelters, power systems, and network equipment, as well as towers.
  • NICTA says arrangements must be made on fair and reasonable terms, preserve competition, and comply with telecommunications laws, licence conditions, and regulatory requirements.

Why it matters

PNG’s rugged terrain and dispersed population make network expansion expensive, especially in remote areas. Sharing telecom towers could cut costs and improve coverage, while NICTA will oversee the arrangements to protect consumers and competition.

NICTA has welcomed operators’ decision to cooperate voluntarily, saying infrastructure sharing could lower the cost of network expansion and support the government’s plans to improve digital connectivity across Papua New Guinea. The statement did not identify the operators involved, the number of towers being shared, or the locations covered. [Read the full story.]

PNG and Australia Sign Telecommunications Partnership Agreement

Papua New Guinea and Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on telecommunications, digital connectivity, cyber-security, online safety, digital government, and emerging technologies.

  • The agreement sets a framework for cooperation: The MoU, signed on 20 October 2026, establishes closer collaboration between the two governments across digital and telecommunications issues.
  • Australia reaffirmed its support for PNG’s digital development: The agreement recognizes Papua New Guinea’s digital ambitions and describes Australia as its telecommunications partner of choice.
  • A blueprint offers a roadmap for the sector: An independent PNG Telecommunications Blueprint was provided to both governments on 1 October 2026. Ministers at the 2026 Australia–Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum were briefed on its findings and noted that it sets out a path toward a more connected, digitally enabled future.

Why it matters

The partnership brings together cooperation on essential areas of digital development, including connectivity, cyber-security, and digital government. The governments say the agreement reflects their shared commitment to Papua New Guinea’s digital development aspirations.

Papua New Guinea and Australia have formalized a framework for working together on telecommunications and broader digital issues. The independent Telecommunications Blueprint is intended to guide efforts toward a more connected and digitally enabled future for PNG. [Read the full story].

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