- PNCC is rolling out fibre-to-the-home to replace copper lines, aiming to connect every Palauan household within two years.
- Satellite connectivity now reaches Hatohobei and other remote states, enabling online learning and reliable communication during emergencies.
- Vice Chairman Carolyn D. Ngiraidis emphasizes balancing modern infrastructure with cultural preservation and expanding PNCC’s reach across the Pacific region.
The Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC), established in 1982, is the national telecom provider of Palau. As a government autonomous agency, PNCC is legally required to provide telecommunications services to all citizens, regardless of geographic barriers.
Carolyn D. Ngiraidis, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at PNCC, discussed how Palau’s telecom provider is extending services to remote states, supporting education through satellite connectivity, balancing modernization with cultural preservation, and building a foundation for Palau’s digital future.
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From copper to fibre: Bringing high-speed internet to every home
Q1: PNCC has been a cornerstone of Palau’s telecommunications since 1982 and has been connecting Palau’s communities for decades. Looking back, what’s been the most meaningful moment for you in helping connect Palau’s remote areas?
Carolyn: Since becoming a member of the Board of Directors in 2022, I have observed the legacy and the challenges associated with PNCC’s mission—to provide access to communications, resilient connectivity, and empowerment in the digital era. A significant development in recent years has been our application for funding through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) loan and grant program. This funding supports efforts to extend connectivity to Palau’s remote state communities.
The project is currently in progress. We are focusing on vendor selection and invoicing to ensure that qualified bidders meet the requirements and are contracted at appropriate prices to satisfy future demand for expansion. The goal is to provide reliable and fast internet services to the people of Palau.
Currently, many homes use copper lines. Our Fiber to the Home (FTTH) rollout aims to replace these with high-speed fiber optic cables within two years. Palau has a population of just under 20,000 across over 300 islands, with most people living on Koror and nearby states. The FTTH program will ensure all households, even remote ones, have access to modern digital services.
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Connecting remote states through satellite
Q2: Hatohobei now has satellite connectivity. What changes does this bring to schools and local services?
Carolyn: Hatohobei, also known as Tobi, is a remote state in southwest Palau with under 50 residents. By law, we must provide connectivity to all, and we are committed to this duty.
With our vendor partner, we installed satellite equipment to connect Hatohobei to our main hub in Koror. Residents can now make calls, send messages, and access basic internet functions.
The new internet infrastructure has bridged a significant gap, highlighted during COVID-19 when Palau schools shifted to remote learning. Previously, Hatohobei lacked internet access, requiring student transportation to the main island. Now, local schools can engage in online learning and access digital materials. Beyond education, the community is better prepared for future disruptions and emergency communication, marking progress for the outlying states.
Similar satellite services are being extended to Sonsorol State as part of our effort to provide all Palauans with access to communication services and digital tools, regardless of their location.
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Using technology to protect culture and empower people
Q3: How does PNCC balance bringing in modern technology while respecting Palau’s unique traditions and natural beauty?
Carolyn: Palau has been recognized for its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. I firmly believe that the integration of new technology should carefully consider its impact on our culture and natural environment.
While innovation and infrastructure development are supported, it is important to respect traditions and preserve the beauty and integrity of the islands. Technology is viewed as a tool to protect and pass on our heritage.
While innovation and infrastructure development are supported, it is important to respect traditions and preserve the beauty and integrity of the islands. Technology is viewed as a tool to protect and pass on our heritage.
Carolyn D. Ngiraidis, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at PNCC
At PNCC, we collaborate with institutions to digitize historical records and oral histories for future access. Palauan language education is mandatory in schools, aided by digital archives and e-learning tools to preserve the language in a modern format.
Palau’s matrilineal society values community and traditional leadership, especially among women. The Women of Palau Council annually organizes a conference with representatives from all 16 states to discuss national issues like education, health, environmental justice, and cultural preservation. Policy proposals and legislation have emerged from these discussions.
At PNCC, technology encompasses infrastructure and personnel. The organization supports youth development through internships, school partnerships, and ongoing training. Interns from the local college are hosted annually, with some subsequently becoming permanent employees. Additionally, it is a priority for all staff to receive continuous training to adapt to evolving technology.
PNCC aims to demonstrate how tradition and innovation can advance simultaneously, by focusing on both cultural respect and technological progress.
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Beyond borders: PNCC’s vision for a more connected Pacific
Q4: As Vice Chairman, what’s your vision for PNCC in the next few years?
Carolyn: I see PNCC evolving into a competitive Pacific telecom provider in the next three years, driven by our focus on long-term infrastructure like fiber networks and satellite coverage.
I see PNCC evolving into a competitive Pacific telecom provider in the next three years, driven by our focus on long-term infrastructure like fiber networks and satellite coverage.
Carolyn D. Ngiraidis, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at PNCC
Our focus is on affordability and accessibility. As a public entity, we prioritize serving people and making a profit to sustain future growth. We aim to balance financial sustainability with providing essential digital services to all Palauans.
There is also potential for regional cooperation. We are currently in discussions regarding the expansion of services to nearby areas, including the Federated States of Micronesia, such as the State of Yap. Our expertise in connecting small island communities may prove valuable for other nations experiencing comparable geographic obstacles.
Building closer collaboration and sharing knowledge across the Pacific region is important. By working with telecom vendors, governments, and NGOs, we can improve connectivity in Palau and support digital growth across the Pacific.
About PNCC
Founded in 1982, the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) is Palau’s sole national telecom provider, delivering mobile, broadband internet, landline, digital TV, VHF radio, and ICT solutions across the country. As a government-owned entity, PNCC plays a significant role in connecting remote island communities and supporting national infrastructure. From fiber-to-the-home projects to satellite connectivity for outer states, PNCC is working to bridge the digital divide and enable reliable communication across Palau’s dispersed geography. With a focus on service quality, cultural uniqueness, and long-term sustainability, PNCC is building the infrastructure to support a connected, resilient Palau.
