A 4700 kilometre long fibre optic, submarine cable connecting Solomon Islands to Australia via Papua New Guinea is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

This will ensure that the Solomon Islands will receive high-speed cable-based internet by the end of 2019, a welcoming news for Businesses and citizens.

Access to cheaper and faster internet will provide an important platform for broader economic progress and would unlock many opportunities for Solomon Islanders.  

The Australian Foreign Minister, Marise Payne is currently in Solomon Islands to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the cable landing station in Honiara. 

She said Australia will invest over $US144 million in the Coral Sea Cable System connecting Sydney, Port Moresby and Honiara as well as in the construction of Solomon Islands' domestic network.

She described it as a tangible symbol of Australia's ongoing commitment to the Pacific.

Solomon Islands' caretaker prime minister Rick Hou said the "game-changing infrastructure" would be transformative for the country as a whole.

The submarine cable is being manufactured in France and Vocus Communications will begin installation in June with the cable scheduled to be ready for service in December. 

Australia decided to finance the cable in 2018 after security concerns were raised about Chinese company Huawei, which was initially contracted to build the project. 

 

Source: https://www.radionz.co.nz