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Telecommunications
Milestones (1982-2007)
1999
A new microwave transmission system
was completed to bring telephone service to Kayangel and Angaur in the final phase
of “LightNet 2000”: digital microwave radio facilities link Kayangel and Angaur
to the fiber optic ring and the PNCC main switching center in Airai.
An HF radiotelephone transmission system was selected to provide communications
services to the remote Southwest Islands.
PNCC introduced domestic broadband
applications including the use of ISDN and HDSL technologies.
These high-speed two-way transmission technologies can provide remote schools
and medical clinics with distance learning and telemedicine capabilities.
2000
PNCC reduced direct dial long distance
rates to Palau’s eight major calling destinations to $1.50 per minute flat rate
(previously as high as $3.00 per minute peak/daytime rate).
A few months later, the $1.50 rate was extended to 19 destinations.
PNCC purchased all remaining ownership
shares for Island Cable Television Company (ICTV) from UMDA, resulting in 100% ownership
of ICTV by PNCC. At that time TV service
was only offered in Airai and Koror.
With the acquisition, the first goal of PNCC was to expand television service throughout
Palau, and second to expand programming.
Cellular service (analog) was introduced
with coverage from Kayangel to Angaur through Palau National Cellular, Inc. (PNCI),
a PNCC joint venture with FTC, a Japanese company.
ICTV service was expanded from Koror
and Airai to Peleliu utilizing PNCC’s fiber optic undersea cable.
Expansion of the ICTV distribution
network was completed to all states in Babeldaob via PNCC’s fiber optic cable.
A rate reduction for Internet dial-up
plans was implemented; the rate for an additional hour of Internet use (over plan
hours) was cut to $5.00.
PNCC introduced LocalNet, a low cost
Internet access service to websites within Palau, in order to encourage the growth
of the national Internet network. Internet
time charges do not apply on calls into the LocalNet number, also effectively providing
unlimited international e-mail access.
PNCC introduced audio-streaming service
to Palau by streaming local radio station WWFM to the World Wide Web.
Resale of Internet service via Internet
cafes was introduced.
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