More than 100,000 people across the Pacific will receive faster, more reliable, secure and higher quality internet connectivity through the East Micronesia Cable Project. The Project, funded by Australia (through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific), Japan and the United States, will build a submarine cable to connect the state of Kosrae in FSM, Tarawa in Kiribati, and Nauru to the existing HANTRU-1 cable, located in Pohnpei, FSM.
The new cable will support the increased availability of digital government services and improve trade and employment opportunities through better access to services, information and worldwide markets. It will be an important step in supporting increased economic growth and improved living standards as the region continues to recover from the severe impacts of COVID-19.
On 8 March, senior representatives from the six countries met face-to-face for the first time at the biannual Project Executive Board meeting in Canberra. During the meeting they reaffirmed their commitment to delivering this transformational project and discussed important steps to finalise the marine cable construction contract. Once signed, this contract will signal the beginning of implementation.
The six-country collaboration highlights the commitment to maximising the region’s stability, security and prosperity, to support long term social and economic growth.