Telecommunications Overview
Palau telecommunications is a small, formerly unregulated sector undertaking significant growth with the improvement and cost reduction in technology.
The Palau National Communications Company (PNCC) is a semi-government agency, operating the main mobile network. Due to tax concessions it operates at a competitive advantage to the two other players in the market, Palau Telecoms and the Palau WiFi Corporation.
Mobile services have taken over the share of the market from landlines, with both 2-3G cell services throughout Babeldoab, Peleliu, Angaur, and Kayangel Islands. The 3 main telecoms companies offer mobile coverage across the main islands. (See Annex 5.3)
Sim cards are easily available at PNCC in Koror and offer 3G and data options. There are pre-paid and post-paid options for both voice and data.
There are three data options for using a wireless hotspot network throughout Palau. Connection from hotel and restaurant premises is available, enabling users to connect via WiFi throughout Koror and the main Islands of Palau.
Satellite
There is no current limitation on the import and use of portable satellite phone systems in Palau.
For more information on telecoms contacts, please see the following link: 4.10 Additional Services Contact List
Telephone Services |
|
---|---|
Is there an existing landline telephone network? |
Yes |
Does it allow international calls? |
Yes |
Number and Length of Downtime Periods (on average) |
Unknown |
Mobile Phone Providers |
PNCC |
Approximate Percentage of National Coverage |
60% |
Telecommunications Regulations
The Palau Division of Communications (PDoC) currently provides the regulatory framework for the communication sector. PNCC is the semi-government agency responsible for operating and regulating the main network in Palau.
There are currently no restrictions on the import and use of satellite phones in Palau nor on the import of VHF and HF radio equipment. While such goods may be for humanitarian use, the allocation of channels and frequency use is controlled and regulated. Permission must be sought to use VHF and HF systems, as well as to use the frequencies.
Regulations on Usage and Import |
||
---|---|---|
Regulations in Place? |
Regulating Authority |
|
Satellite |
No |
Division of Communications |
HF Radio |
Yes |
Division of Communications |
UHF/VHF/HF Radio: Handheld, Base and Mobile |
Yes |
Division of Communications |
UHF/VHF Repeaters |
Yes |
Division of Communications |
GPS |
No |
|
VSAT |
No |
Division of Communications |
Individual Network Operator Licenses Required? |
||
Yes |
||
Frequency Licenses Required? |
||
Yes |
Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems
There are no existing humanitarian telecoms systems in place.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
At the time of writing, Palau Net is the main ISP in Palau.
Internet Service Providers |
||
---|---|---|
Are there ISPs available? |
Yes |
|
If yes, are they privately or government owned? |
Both |
|
Dial-up only? |
Both |
|
Approximate Rates (local currency and USD - $) |
Dial-up |
|
Broadband |
USD 10/7 hours |
|
Max Leasable ‘Dedicated’ Bandwidth |
Unknown |
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
PNCC is the only mobile voice network operator in Palau, whilst there are 3 options for mobile data networks.
For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website.
Company |
Number of Agent |
Network Strength |
Contracted for Humanitarian or |
Services Offered (i.e. Merchant Payment, |
---|---|---|---|---|
PNCC |
Koror |
Good in Koror |
No |
|
Palau net |
Unknown |
Good in Koror |
No |
|
Palau |
Unknown |
Good in Koror |
No |
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