By Cyber Era NG Special Correspondent

On Thursday, February 15, PNCC hosted a workshop on Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) and 5G technology as part of its project to replace and expand the nation’s mobile network system.

This one-day workshop, Cyber Era NG learns,  was designed to educate and engage key Government of Palau and Quadrilateral Security Dialogue partner stakeholders (Australia, India, Japan and US) on key issues surrounding the planning and implementation of Open RAN and 5G next-generation network solutions in Palau.

“We are thankful for the dignitaries who gave their remarks to open the informative session, including H.E. President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., US Ambassador Ehrendreich, Australian Ambassador Turner, and Japanese Ambassador Orikasa.

We are also grateful to the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for their funding and support for the design phase of this exciting project, and our consulting partner Widelity for their technical expertise,” said a PNCC release.

We gather that Opening Debusch and Chant was  performed by son of PNCC IT Tech Merei Ise, Olkeriil Ise.

There was a Panel Discussion focusing on  Priorities for Mobile Network Modernization in Palau and the Indo-Pacific by stakeholders from Palau, US, Japan, and Australia.

The event was graced by  many personalities  from the  academia, civil society, media and Diplomatic Corps including but not limited to Ambassador Turner (Australia); Ambassador Ehrendreich (US); Ambassador Kyota (Palau); Ambassador Lee (Republic of China-Taiwan); Ambassador Orikasa (Japan) PNCC CEO Simon M. Fraser, PNCC Team and Widelity Partners.

A major highlight was a Presentation on Next Generation 5G Open RAN – The Global Landscape  by O-RAN Solution Sales Director, NTT DOCOMO Takashi Kokubo and Regional Vice President Sales – Australia, New Zealand and Indochina, Mavenir, Jan Schaar.