Papua New Guinea is embracing a new digital era, with major developments in satellite internet, AI, and government technology highlighted at the recent PNG Media Summit 2026.

Secretary for ICT, Steven Matainaho, announced that the Starlink license was already issued by NICTA.

Terminals can provide connectivity to rural villages and complement existing telecom networks, improving safety and access in remote areas.

Matainaho also outlined advances in digital public infrastructure (DPI).

Citizens can now obtain a digital ID in five minutes via the Service Wallet app, using biometric verification.

The system integrates AI to streamline service delivery while maintaining human oversight.

On the media front, Matainaho stressed the ethical use of AI in newsrooms.

“Do not use AI to produce more noise; use it to defend trust.”

AI can assist with transcription, translation, summarization, and verifying rumors, but local journalists retain editorial control.

With the 2027 elections approaching, he emphasized rapid factchecking and information integrity, urging newsrooms to combine AI with trusted local knowledge.