Information Technology and Energy

Minister Abel has been in consultation with the Minister responsible for Communications, Information Technology and Energy, Sam Basil who has received advice from NICTA on the registration deadline extension.

“Minister Basil and I have considered the issues surrounding the SIM Card Registration Regulation, and I am fully aware of the implications of registration deadline,” the Acting Prime Minister said.

“The extension to 23 January 2018 will minimise the potential for disruptions to phone users while ensuring network security is enhanced.

He said the deadline is set for this Sunday, December 31^st, 2017.

Basil said ample time had been given to users to register and operators to facilitate the registration process.

The Minster said there will be no exception, adding on a personal note that he himself had registered his Sim card.

Sim card registration is a mandatory process, made effective as of July 23, 2016 under the SIM Card Registration Regulation 2016 (Statutory Instrument No.7 of 2016) as published in National Gazette No. G228 dated April 22, 2016.

He said he intended to re-introduce shortwave and medium wave frequencies to improve radio access in remote rural areas as in the early 1980s.

Basil, who took over from Talasea MP, Francis Maneke, said a review of NBC funding, revenue generation and financial management, to see that cash flow and its implications on wages, will be done in the near future.

He further reiterated that he will be looking at responsible, affordable and accessible communications in radio, television and internet including concerted efforts to address cybercrime.

This follows today’s realignment in ministerial portfolio allocations by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

The changes in portfolios will strengthen the National Government’s focus on key growth sectors that will have a direct impact on business development and community advancement.

"Minister Basil will be responsible for the energy and communications sectors that are crucial for growing a modern economy,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.