Telikom and Vodafone sign network-sharing pact in Papua New Guinea

Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG have signed a landmark Co-Location and Network-Sharing Agreement to improve telecommunications connectivity across Papua New Guinea. The pact allows the two competing operators to share physical infrastructure, including towers and fibre routes, to reduce duplication and accelerate the expansion of services into previously underserved areas.

A major component of the deal is the transition to a ‘bill and keep’ interconnection model. This arrangement removes interconnection charges for subscribers communicating between the two networks, making calls and texts between Telikom and Vodafone users more affordable.

Telikom PNG CEO Amos Tepi described the agreement as a ‘historic first’ for the country’s industry, noting that such cooperation between rivals can strengthen the sector and benefit consumers without weakening competition.