Telecommunications Milestones (1982-2007)

2004

PNCC dropped international direct dial long distance rates to 35¢ per minute to over 200 destinations worldwide, and only 28¢ to the Philippines.  Palau’s long distance rates are the lowest among the independent Pacific island nations surveyed.

The national analog wireless network was converted to a new digital GSM-900 platform, with nine cell sites in service by the end of 2004.  Airtime rates are still as low as 15¢ per minute.  Nationwide Short Message Service (SMS) is introduced with incoming messages free and only 6¢ per sent message.   

The PNCC business office in Koror was expanded to consolidate PNCC Wireless and ICTV customer service and sales operations together with all other PNCC services (fixed line and Internet/data), providing a more convenient one-stop shop for customers, including more cashiers for faster service.  A new consolidated customer care and billing system was also implemented to provide the capability of offering one bill for all PNCC services (wireless, cable TV, telephone, and Internet).

PNCC introduced broadband Wide Area Network (WAN) service using DSL and ISDN to link the Ministry of Education and all public schools in Palau.

ICTV added three more channels to Basic (AXN, Disney and Animax) and introduced two new premium options, HBO and Cinemax.

2005

The ICTV Basic Service monthly rate was increased on February 1, from $23.00 to $25.30 ($2.30 or 10%).  The previous rate increase for Basic was in over ten years earlier, in 1994.  The number of channels has increased over 50% since then.

Meyuns earth station was upgraded to Standard A.  A VSAT dish has been installed at Airai HQ to provide redundancy for international satellite connections.

New cell sites were installed in Melekeok and Ngaraard to improve GSM wireless coverage in Babeldaob. 

PNCC signed a special agreement with Viacom to televise Survivor: Palau.  The show’s popularity has created a higher level of local TV advertising than ever.  In June, ICTV added Turner Classic Movies (TCM) to Star Select Premium Service.