A new underwater internet cable system connecting three Pacific nations will be funded equally by Australia, Japan, and the United States.
According to a joint statement released by the US Department of State, the cable will be utilized for internet access by the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati, and Nauru. It will link to HANTRU-1, a cable system supported by the US Army that runs between FSM and Guam.
The proposal, which Reuters initially reported in September, replaces a previous cable project that was to be built by Chinese businesses and was supported by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
“This six-country partnership exemplifies our commitment to collaborate on key telecoms infrastructure and contribute to dependable and secure internet for the area,” the governments said in a joint statement.
Marise Payne, Australia’s Foreign Minister, was represented in the joint text. “We will continue to work closely with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to ensure that this initiative complements their efforts in improving digital connection in FSM, Kiribati, and Nauru.”
“This is more than just an investment in infrastructure.” It signifies a long-term collaboration to provide real and meaningful answers in the face of tremendous economic and strategic challenges in our area.”
Based on regional internet security, Australia has already promised to subsidize the installation of undersea cables in other areas of the Pacific islands in place of previously China-backed projects.
