Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts Tuesday pledged robust support for Pacific digital infrastructure at the Telstra Pacific Islands Telecommunications Strategy Forum in Sydney, highlighting Australia’s multi-million-dollar investment in undersea cables as a lifeline for Pacific connectivity.
Addressing regional leaders and industry representatives, Watts acknowledged the crucial need for secure, resilient digital networks across the Blue Pacific, emphasising Australia’s commitment to bridging the region’s digital divide.
“Connecting the Blue Continent to the digital infrastructure of the 21st century brings enormous opportunities—and responsibilities,” he stated.
Australia has earmarked more than $350 million (US$229 million) since 2018 to fund undersea telecommunications cables throughout the Pacific, a move Watts described as essential for social, economic, and security progress. Among the flagship initiatives is the Coral Sea Cable System, linking Australia with Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
“The Coral Sea Cable set a precedent for our work in the region, which continues through partnerships with the U.S, Japan, and others to ensure Pacific connectivity is no longer a barrier to progress,” he said.
The Assistant Minister stressed that these cables provide more than internet access.
“This connectivity opens doors to healthcare, education, and commerce, and strengthens Pacific economies,” he added. But with increased connectivity come risks, and Watts emphasised Australia’s commitment to helping the Pacific defend against cyber threats, noting the establishment of Pacific Cyber RAPID teams.
“As cybercrime rises, these teams are prepared to respond to incidents across the Pacific, ensuring a fast, robust defence against attacks,” he explained.
Highlighting the critical investments lined up for 2025, Watts provided details on key undersea cable projects set to come online, including the Palau ECHO Branch and the East Micronesia Cable. These are backed by a coalition of Australia, the United States, and Japan, providing access to Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, and beyond.
“These cables will expand connectivity, creating redundancies that protect against network failures, natural disasters, and cyber threats,” he noted, referencing the recent cable outage that left Tonga without connectivity for weeks following an earthquake.
Australia’s investment also includes terrestrial infrastructure projects to bring end-to-end connectivity across the Pacific, along with policies focused on digital safety and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technology’s rapid development.
Watts highlighted Australia’s acquisition of Digicel Pacific, calling it a critical move for regional stability.
“Digicel Pacific’s acquisition wasn’t just a financial investment—it ensures digital access is in safe, reliable hands that prioritise regional interests,” Watts affirmed.
Reinforcing Australia’s desire to be the “partner of choice” in the Pacific, Watts recognised past shortcomings.
“We’ve worked hard to repair our ties with the Pacific, actively investing and engaging with our partners,” he said, reiterating that Australia’s approach centres on listening and aligning with Pacific priorities.
“We’re not here to dictate but to support—building the Pacific Family through strong, lasting partnerships.”
Watts highlighted Australia’s long-term vision for a digitally resilient Pacific, with ambitions extending to digital IDs, cloud technology, and data management.
“Pacific digital resilience is not a one-off goal; it’s a sustained commitment to secure, reliable connectivity,” he remarked.
The Assistant Minister by acknowledged the private sector’s role in building the region’s connectivity backbone, praising industry partners and the Pacific Islands Telecommunication Association (PITA) for bringing attention to the Pacific’s telecommunications needs.
“Collaboration with the private sector is indispensable to solving the region’s challenges, and we’re keen to work alongside industry leaders to make these goals a reality,” he said.
As geostrategic competition in the Pacific grows, Watts reaffirmed Australia’s dedication to fostering a peaceful, stable, and connected Pacific region.
“These are challenging times, but together, we can build a resilient digital future for the Pacific—one that safeguards sovereignty and strengthens our shared prosperity,” he said
