Communications
Papua New Guinea is a developing nation and as such the number of mobile phone carriers is limited. Having said that the Papuans are increasingly using mobile phones and mobile data to support the thriving mining industry. The main carrier in PNG at this stage is Digicel.
Customers who currently have mobile phones with either Vodafone, Telstra, Optus, H3G and International Roaming turned on will be able to use their mobile phones in Port Moresby to remain in contact with their families. You must turn on international roaming and be aware that as with any international travel, mobile phone call rates may be higher than normal when using another carrier overseas. Check your carrier or the Digicel website for more information.
The hotel in Port Moresby has landline phones that can be used to call home if needed. You will need to arrange and pay for those calls yourself with reception, or use the phones in the lobby. These phones are not always working so warn your families you may not be able to contact them, and not to worry!
Communications on the Kokoda Track
The expedition guide will carry a satellite mobile phone for use in emergencies only whilst trekking. This satellite phone has a limited battery life and is only turned on when required to conserve battery power. The local guide and porter team have access to VHQ radio base stations dotted along the track in some of the villages. This radio network allows us to communicate with Port Moresby in the event of an emergency if other forms of communication are failing or unavailable.
The Papuans along the Kokoda Track in some villages who frequent Port Moresby may have mobile phones. They do not work in most places along the Kokoda Track due to the terrain, dense tree canopy and poor cell coverage. Digicel is gradually extending their coverage and we may see one day some extended coverage along the Kokoda Track.
No Roads Expeditions does not actively encourage the use of mobile phones along the Track. As of January 2011 there are only one or two locations at the peaks of some ranges where coverage is limited at best. Worrying about your phone, emails and SMS's is something we are trying to avoid and wish to leave behind in your home country, so you can enjoy life without phones for at least eight days!
Customers who currently have mobile phones with either Vodafone, Telstra, Optus, H3G and International Roaming turned on will be able to use their mobile phones in Port Moresby to remain in contact with their families. You must turn on international roaming and be aware that as with any international travel, mobile phone call rates may be higher than normal when using another carrier overseas. Check your carrier or the Digicel website for more information.
The hotel in Port Moresby has landline phones that can be used to call home if needed. You will need to arrange and pay for those calls yourself with reception, or use the phones in the lobby. These phones are not always working so warn your families you may not be able to contact them, and not to worry!
Communications on the Kokoda Track
The expedition guide will carry a satellite mobile phone for use in emergencies only whilst trekking. This satellite phone has a limited battery life and is only turned on when required to conserve battery power. The local guide and porter team have access to VHQ radio base stations dotted along the track in some of the villages. This radio network allows us to communicate with Port Moresby in the event of an emergency if other forms of communication are failing or unavailable.
The Papuans along the Kokoda Track in some villages who frequent Port Moresby may have mobile phones. They do not work in most places along the Kokoda Track due to the terrain, dense tree canopy and poor cell coverage. Digicel is gradually extending their coverage and we may see one day some extended coverage along the Kokoda Track.
No Roads Expeditions does not actively encourage the use of mobile phones along the Track. As of January 2011 there are only one or two locations at the peaks of some ranges where coverage is limited at best. Worrying about your phone, emails and SMS's is something we are trying to avoid and wish to leave behind in your home country, so you can enjoy life without phones for at least eight days!
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