New PNG laws could block Digicel mobile firm
Updated
Papua New Guinea's government has passed a new law that will effectively block international services provided by Irish owned mobile phone company Digicel.
Radio Australia's reporter in Port Moresby, Firmin Nanol, says the PNG government has been strenuously working towards ousting Digicel since it began operations in July last year.
This week parliament passed a new law making Digicel's international gateway, under which customers can make overseas calls, ineffective.
The new law also gives the Communication Minister exclusive rights to issue and revoke mobile phone licenses.
Previously, this power resided with PNG's Telecommunication Authority.
Digicel says it is disappointed that the government has chosen to ignore the consequences the government's decision will have on ordinary people.
The firm says it will continue its efforts to operate in PNG and has filed court proceedings to keep its international gateway.
