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PNG: Pacific Telecommunications Modernization Project (EIA Report)


Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited (ATH) International Ventures (IV) is launching a US$ 400 million mobile telecommunications venture in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through its subsidiary Vodafone PNG, known as the ATH-Vodafone PNG Mobile Telecoms Project (‘the Project’). The Project includes a network of new telecom tower sites to be located across PNG, a 24/7 contact/call centre in Port Moresby, core radio network equipment, fibre-optic and satellite links, and leased retail outlets. The proposed PNG transmission network will support 3G, 4G and Pre-5G service to deliver high speed mobile, internet, voice, messaging and corporate solutions across the country. Vodafone PNG proposes to replicate the proven Vodafone Fiji technology model to reduce delivery risks and leverage on established Fiji vendor and supplier relationships to deliver a homogenous network architecture across Fiji and PNG. In accordance with ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009 (ADB, 2009), ADB has classified the Project as follows:  Environment: Category B, with potential environmental impacts likely to be site-specific, mostly reversible and readily managed. An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) is required by ADB for projects classified as Category B.  Involuntary Resettlement: Category C. There will be no involuntary land acquisition or involuntary land restriction for the land leased by Vodafone PNG for the Project, therefore Safeguard Requirements 2: Involuntary Resettlement is not triggered.  Indigenous Peoples: Since some of the towers will be greenfield sites located on Indigenous Peoples/ customary owned land, the project is classified as Category B for Indigenous Peoples safeguards. An Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP) is required by ADB for projects classified as Category B. This document, prepared by ERIAS, provides the IEE and framework for the environmental and social management plan (ESMP) for the Project. The Project will be implemented under Vodafone PNG’s environmental and social management system (ESMS). Through the Project, Vodafone PNG seeks to increase access to information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and services across PNG, filling gaps in network coverage, providing greater choice and driving affordability across the market. A number of different options were considered through Project planning and design to ensure the Project responds to the constraints and opportunities presented in the PNG context, minimises potential adverse impacts and maximises benefits for Papua New Guineans.