http://www.thenational.com.pg/042507/letter6.htm

Right move by Somare

MANY people have criticised Public Enterprise Minister Arthur Somare for trying to withhold the entry of two mobile phone service providers into the country to compete with Telikom PNG for another year. Many see it as political interference. I have spoken to several professionals in the field of telecommunication and internet services, and I commend Somare’s bold move. I believe he has the country’s interest at heart and is intent on laying a solid foundation before any deal can be made. For so long, our leaders had made policies on an ad hoc basis for short-term gains without considering the long-term ramifications, hence, our country is struggling despite of our rich natural resources. I am skeptical of the Government’s policies, but for this one, I would give Somare a perfect 10. – Gunzee S Gawin, Melbourne, Australia

Somare protecting our interest
KEPAI Gun was critical of Arthur Somare’s stand on policy requirements but I believe the Public Enterprises Minister is serving the interest of the country. Somare is correct when he said that there is no policy governing the information and communication industry. One was drawn up in 1994 but it is outdated and needs to be replaced before the industry can be deregulated. The Government must protect national interest through policy. It must dictate the direction the industry should take through policy and not the other way around which will be disastrous for this nation. Perhaps the only downside on this is the fact that a foreign consultant was brought in to write the policy that is now considered unworkable in PNG. The minister should have more faith in Papua New Guineans and get them to draft the policy. – Kanupng, Manus Island