A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the PNCC headquarters building in Airai and it signified the expansion and improvement of PNCC’s cellular network and to increase international capacity by building a new satellite earth station at the PNCC headquarters.
President Johnson Toribiong in his remarks said that Palau “has moved forward not only politically but also technologically to create a favorable environment for investment in Palau.” “I want to thank and commend PNCC for a job well done. Today marks a milestone in the history of telecommunications for Palau. When I was a young man, Palau was an isolated island,” he said.He added that “PNCC is one of the most critical infrastructures in Palau, and I encourage the Board of Directors of PNCC to continue to advance technologically.”Republic of China (Taiwan) Ambassador Maggie Taiching Tien for his part said the two companies “marriage” resulted into “offsprings” which will be beneficial to the tourists, investors and employment in Palau. PNCC said that the Satellite Transmission Enhancement Plan (STEP) constructed a new earth station at PNCC’s Headquarters in Airai and will provide more direct voice capacity into Taiwan for clearer international voice connections, including international roaming service support. PNCC added that it also gives opportunity for higher data capacity options for international Internet connectivity, and an additional redundancy for Palau’s international connectivity with three earth stations utilizing three different satellites.The Mobile Network Improvement Plan (MNIP) meanwhile has improved service coverage and quality for the nationwide GSM mobile network by optimizing and enhancing all existing cell sites. Additionally, three new repeater sites were installed, one at Ngeremdiu in the Rock Islands and two at Ngchesar; and two booster indoor antennas were placed at Palau International Airport. There are five new sites pending easement which will greatly improve coverage in Babeldaob when completed: in Aimeliik, Kokusai, Ngaraard, and two in Airai. PNCC technicians were trained during the project to install cell sites and two more sites are currently underway in the Rock Islands, at Ulong and Kmul a Smiich. The project also introduced international mobile roaming service so that visitors to Palau can use their cell phones from their home operators. Agreements are already operating for CHT, PTI and IT&E customers, and more partners will be added soon from Philippines, U.S., Japan & Korea, to include European and South Pacific countries in the future.CHT Chairman and CEO Dr. Shyue-Ching Lu, who attended the ribbon-cutting and brought his CHT cellphone with him from Taiwan, commented “I am proud to say international roaming to Taiwan works beautifully…a major milestone in PNCC’s 27 years of existence.”
