Bermuda – ABS announced it has been granted the Network, Applications and Gateway Operator licenses to serve Papua New Guinea (PNG) from the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA).  The licenses awarded will allow ABS to operate as a telecom operator as well as a satellite service provider.

ABS is the first international satellite operator to incorporate a company in PNG, known as ABS Global Satellite Limited (AGSL) to provide information communication technology (ICT) services, registered with the Investment Promotions Authority. ABS has been in partnership with NICTA since 2008, which has resulted in a number of orbital slot positions around the world brought into use by ABS by deploying several satellites currently at such orbital locations.   AGSL has met all due diligence requirements and its license applications were approved by the NICTA Board on December 16, 2016.  The three Individual Operator Licenses granted by NICTA are technology neutral and now give AGSL the rights to provide ICT services in accordance with NICT (Operator Licensing) Regulation 2010.

ABS initially plans to set up a major teleport in Port Moresby to provide connectivity from its Asian gateway though the ABS-6 satellite which will bring cost effective internet connectivity and VSAT services into the country.  From the gateway hub, we will also offer more affordable internet access to remotes in underserved rural regions and outlying islands transforming the market with accessible and reliable services.

ABS will be primarily engaged in satellite based or satellite support telecom infrastructure, but where necessary will deploy fibre or microwave to complement the connectivity requirements.  Cellular mobile service is also allowed under the license and may be contemplated in the future.