‘Golden Buoy’ presentation marks a major leap in Timor-Leste's digital future

Timor-Leste has made a significant leap forward in securing its digital future with the 'Golden Buoy' presentation and the launch of the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable in Dili. 

This groundbreaking project, delivered by the Government of Timor-Leste, promises to bring faster, cheaper, and more reliable internet connectivity to communities across the nation.

The fibre optic submarine cable has landed in Timor-Leste, marking a significant milestone in the project. Soon, the laying ship will begin deploying the cable along the seabed, connecting it to the North-West Cable System.

Australia is providing advisory support through an AUD7.2 million grant through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP). 

This grant supports the Government of Timor-Leste in the design, manufacture, and installation of the country’s first submarine telecommunications cable. 

Australia's support through the Connecting Timor-Leste to the internet via submarine cable project includes developing a Front-End Engineering Design to explore various cable design and route options, providing procurement support to source a turnkey marine vendor, and assisting with the design and procurement of the project’s landing infrastructure.

Australia’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, proudly represented the Australian Government at the 'Golden Buoy' presentation and the launch ceremony. Ambassador Wilson emphasised the project as a testament to the close-knit relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste.

“The Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable will physically link our two countries through a telecommunications conduit. We take great pride in assisting the Government of Timor-Leste in realising this project,” she said.

Timor-Leste remains one of the few countries not connected to an international submarine telecommunications cable. Currently, its internet connectivity relies on satellite and microwave radio, leading to high costs and slow speeds. The introduction of this submarine telecommunications cable is set to revolutionise the nation's digital connectivity, fostering ICT-driven private sector growth and significantly enhancing its global digital presence.

Learn more about the investment  here