Telikom PNG, a telecommunications company in Papua New Guinea, was incorporated on July 1, 1955. It was established to own and operate the telecommunications network in the country and is wholly owned by the Government through Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH). Over the years, Telikom has transitioned from an analogue to a digitalised network, focusing on sustainability and aiming to become the market leader in Papua New Guinea by 2025 and the region by 2032. The company has undergone significant changes, including the merger with BMobile to form Telikom Ltd following a National Executive Council decision in June 2021. Telikom's network comprises a combination of microwave radio, satellite, and intra-city optical fibre transmission systems, linking Papua New Guinea worldwide through its Optical Ground Wire system and international submarine fibre cables.
Alias
Bmobile
Country
Papua New Guinea
Type
Mobile Network Operator
Telikom PNG logo

3G Network

Telikom PNG began building its 3G network on the 850 MHz (band 5) spectrum. The transition involved switching off its old CDMA network, Citifon, which was incompatible with GSM devices. The 3G network development was part of a broader strategy to modernise the telecommunications infrastructure in Papua New Guinea. This upgrade was crucial for improving connectivity and providing better services to customers, particularly in urban areas like Port Moresby, Kerema, Lae, Madang, and Arawa.

Bmobile operated its 3G network using B8 (900 MHz), which following the merger became part of Telikom's network.

Network Frequency Band Status
B5 (850 MHz)
Active
B8 (900 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype

4G Network

In October 2016, the company launched its 4G LTE services using the 1800 MHz (band 3) spectrum in partnership with then separate Bmobile. The network rollout was part of a broader plan to expand coverage to 22 provinces, with an initial target of 500 base stations covering approximately 50% of the population. By the end of 2016, the network aimed to have 800 sites live, progressively expanding coverage This rollout included coverage in key areas such as Port Moresby, Kerema, Lae, Madang, and Arawa, with plans to expand to more regions in 2018. The 4G network provided faster internet speeds and improved connectivity, addressing the limitations of the previous networks.

4G Frequency Bands
Network Frequency Band Status Known EARFCNs
B1 (2100 MHz)
Active
525
B3 (1800 MHz)
Active
1600, 1800
B28 (700 MHz)
Active
9285, 9585
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch

5G Network

As of the current date, there is no available information indicating that Telikom PNG has launched a 5G network. The company's recent focus has been on expanding its 4G LTE services and improving mobile coverage through innovative solutions like the satellite-to-cell service in partnership with Lynk Global. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity across Papua New Guinea, particularly in remote areas where traditional ground-based mobile towers are not feasible.

Date Event Subtype