Remote islands and rugged terrain may make for an unspoiled paradise but provide a country with connectivity challenges. From the onset, Papua New Guinea’s geography has prevented the widespread installation of cable internet, which is made more challenging by the lack of infrastructure and has resulted in imbalanced rural development.

Zoe Hamilton, the insights manager for GSMA, a global organization of mobile operators and its adjacent industries, explained that underdeveloped ecosystems in mobile technology are due to low purchasing power, low digital literacy rates, language barriers, and unreliable electric sources for charging devices.

Fortunately for PNG, startups like internet service provider Emstret and broadband satellite operator Kacific are investing heavily to bridge the wide connectivity in the country.

“Building the ICT world is great because you see how technology can elevate and exhilarate people when they are able to connect with people in different places,” said Emstret CEO Vani Nades

The Asian Development Bank agrees that broadband internet is vital to accelerate development in remote communities. To further close the digital divide, ADB has partnered up with Kacific to launch and operate a geostationary satellite so that PNG will benefit from affordable high-speed internet connection.

By leveraging satellite technology, Emstret and Kacific are able to provide essential services that will deliver economic progress to underdeveloped communities.