An AIFFP grant is supporting improved internet connectivity in three Pacific countries, with the governments of Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Japan and the United States partnering to design, manufacture and lay an undersea cable connection and associated terrestrial works.

Kiribati is one of three countries supported through the project.

Improving digital connectivity in the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and Nauru via submarine cable

Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru

Signed and Announced

Type:
Telecommunications Investment:
The total project value is estimated at AUD135 million (USD95 million equivalent). Contribution from AIFFP is up to AUD65 million. The project is 100 per cent grant funded. Project name:
East Micronesia Cable System

Delivery partners

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia
Government of the Republic of Nauru
Government of the Republic of Kiribati
Government of Japan
Government of the United States Government
FSM Telecommunications Cable Corporation
BwebwerikiNET Limited of Kiribati
Nauru Fibre Cable Corporation
NEC Corporation

We’re working with partners across six countries to improve internet connectivity via a new submarine cable and supporting infrastructure.

The project will connect the state of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia, Tarawa in Kiribati, and Nauru to the existing HANTRU-1 cable landing point located in Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Representatives from the governments of Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Japan and the United States, including Australia’s Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, Jo Cowley (centre).

With completion expected in late 2025, the cable will provide faster, higher quality and more reliable internet to more than 100,000 people across the three nations.

The project marks an important step in supporting increased economic growth and improved living standards across the region.

100,000 people

to access cheaper, faster internet

Six-government partnership

The impact of this project will be far reaching – benefiting individuals and communities as well as businesses and services across Nauru. We are thankful for the support of Australia, Japan and the United States.
Jay Udit, Secretary of Justice and Border Control and Chief Executive Officer Nauru Fibre Cable Corporation, Nauru

2250 kilometres

of cable

The project will support equal access to digital connectivity across all of the Federated States of Micronesia and greatly enhance the ability of all states to access information and essential services.
Glenn S. Harris, Acting Secretary, Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure, Federated States of Micronesia

Representatives from the project countries’ governments visit the RV Bold Explorer, a survey ship which made a port of call in Pohnpei before commencing its survey route, November 2023.

AIFFP contribution

The total project value is estimated at AUD135 million (USD95 million equivalent). Contribution from AIFFP is up to AUD65 million. The project is 100 per cent grant funded.

Impact

While internet access is currently available through satellite connectivity, the capacity, speed, cost and reliability fall short of countries’ needs and limit economic and development opportunities. The project will provide faster, higher quality and more reliable internet to more than 100,000 people, helping to increase the availability of digital government services and enable increased trade and employment opportunities.

It also marks an important step in supporting increased economic growth and improved living standards across the region.