OMBUDSMAN COMMISSION TO CHALLENGE STARLINK CASE RULING

THE Country’s Watchdog, Ombudsman Commission has confirmed that they will challenge the recent National Court decision, which granted international telecommunications provider – Starlink the licence to operate and do business in the country.

Starlink, wholly owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX was granted the operating licence last week, after National Court in Waigani, squashed Ombudsman Commission’s interjections to invalidate and invoke Starlink’s operating licence in the country.

In a 24-page decision on the Friday, 24th of April, Judge Justice Oagile Dingake, on behalf of presiding Judge Justice Susan Purdon-Sully, ruled that Ombudsman Commission’s directive to halt the Starlink’s operating licence was null and void, further citing that the Watchdog does not have powers to do so.

National Court Judge justice Dingake, delivered that the National Court of Justice upheld the National Information and Communication Authority’s (NICTA) Judicial Review and dismissed Ombudsman’s objections.

However, Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen is adamant that the Court did not consider some important factors, before handing down the decision, and that will be justified through the Court of Appeal.

Commissioner Pagen further highlighted that loss of jobs by the current internet services providers (ISP), nil shareholding by PNG Government, tax evasion and paying of credits using foreign currency were the priority concerning areas they stepped in on behalf of people of the nation.

Commissioner Pagen added that PNG Government has zero share on that investment or deal and that is against the National Procurement Act sections 47 and 48, foreign companies that want to invest in Papua New Guinea will own 50% while the country will own a 50% share.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape including other important figures and government departments already welcomed the National Court’s decision on the Starlink licensing case, describing it as an important step in improving communication access in the country.