November 3, 2023, Brazil. In this photo illustration, the Starlink logo is displayed on a smartphone screen Photo: 123RF
Papua New Guinea's chief ombudsman says they will appeal the decision to allow Starlink to operate in the country.
The satellite-based internet service was officially allowed last week.
Starlink has been trying to break into the PNG market for more than three years.
The Ombudsman Commission kept the government tied up in court for most of it, making them unable to grant operating licenses - until this week.
But local media reports Commissioner Richard Pagen saying that given it's a foreign company, cash will go overseas and locals will lose work.
He said they will push the government to negotiate with SpaceX for a better deal.
Around 83 percent of Papua New Guineans live in rural areas with unreliable connection.
The Solomon Islands government has cleared the boss of the country's Telecommunications Commission of funding abuse allegations.
Calvin Ziru faced disciplinary action last year after it was alleged he spent over a million Solomon Islands dollars that he was not entitled to.
Local media reports Ministry of Communication and Aviation permanent secretary Alwyn Danitofea confirming all financial reports examined showed no evidence of abuse of funds, effectively clearing Mr Ziru of the accusations.
However, Danitofea revealed there were serious allegations of abuse of office discovered regarding several former commissioners.
The High Court in Fiji has dismissed a stay application by former deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica against proceedings brought against him by the country's anti-corruption agency.
Kamikamica is facing one count of perjury and providing false information.
The Fiji Times reports Justice Sianiu Fa'alogo Bull ruling the defence argument claiming an absence of evidence was "without merit" and refused the application.
Kamikamica's charges stem from alleged statements under oath in relation to the controversial appointment of the now-sacked Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption boss Barbara Malimali.
Health workers in Fiji are owed an estimated FJ$1.7 million (US$770,000) in unpaid overtime.
State broadcaster reported Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu confirming last week that the unpaid overtime accumulated between January and March this year.
The unpaid overtime mostly affects staff on lower pay bands, including registered nurses, medical imaging technologists, and senior pharmacy technicians.
Dr Atonio said the figure is expected to rise further as data from several major cost centres was still being compiled.
