PG: Rural Communications Project

closed

Closed

The objective of the Rural Communication Project for Papua New Guinea (PNG) is to improve access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in rural and remote areas of PNG. There are three components to the project. Component one: technical assistance for National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA). The scope is primarily to help the Universal access and service (UAS) Secretariat to manage the implementation of target two and target three projects to be financed under the UAS Fund, but also to provide regulatory support in other areas as required. Component two: UAS demonstration projects will finance the first three target two demonstration projects to be supported under the UAS scheme and hence demonstrate the proposed "least-cost" subsidy mechanism. These demonstration projects will test the funds management aspects as well as the governance, selection, approval and monitoring and evaluation systems. Two demonstration projects for telecommunications services are proposed in two geographically distinct locations, namely Chimbu and East Sepik. For these areas, the project will finance one-time capital subsidies for telecommunications network expansion and public access. Component three: project management will finance strengthening the capacity of Department of Communications and Information (DCI) through the provision of advisory services and support for project coordination, procurement, financial management, telecommunications technical support and supervision. The component will include financing for the Project Implementation Unit (PIU)-project coordination/procurement specialist, a financial management specialist, goods (computer and basic office equipment), training, incremental operating costs, and external audits. It will also finance a telecommunications specialist to advise the DCI on policy/technical issues.

FY17 - Information and Communications Technologies

World Bank Group

Project

Broadband, Telecommunications, Residential, Government, Commercial