Every Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member is now connected to the global undersea telecommunications cable network for the first time, marking a major milestone in regional digital connectivity backed by Australia’s investment in Pacific infrastructure.
Australia said it has worked with Pacific governments and development partners to deliver more than 10,300 kilometres of new undersea telecommunications cables, ensuring all 18 Forum members now have access to global digital networks.
Since 2018, Australia has committed more than AUD$500 million (US$351 million) to undersea cable connectivity projects across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
The investment has supported cable projects in nine countries, including first international cable connections for Nauru, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Tarawa in Kiribati and Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia.
Australia is also supporting second international cable connections in Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Palau and Solomon Islands to improve the reliability and resilience of regional telecommunications infrastructure.
The projects are being delivered in partnership with Japan, New Zealand, the United States and Taiwan, with the aim of improving connectivity for governments, businesses and communities while creating new opportunities for trade, investment and digital participation.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said universal access to digital infrastructure across the Pacific marks an important achievement for the region.
“For the first time, every Pacific Islands Forum member now has access to the digital infrastructure needed to participate fully in the modern economy, backed in with Australian support.
“A more connected Pacific is a more resilient Pacific. This infrastructure strengthens economic growth, supports essential services and will help underpin a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region,” she said.
Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said improved digital connectivity would strengthen regional economic integration and expand opportunities for Pacific people.
“Faster, more affordable and more reliable digital services will help integrate our economies, making it easier for Pacific peoples and businesses to connect, and investment to flow across the region.
“With new connections comes greater opportunities, better information flows and knowledge sharing, supporting Pacific Island countries to fully participate in the global economy,” he said.
