Strategic Subsea Cables Boost Papua New Guinea's Digital Backbone

Papua New Guinea, with funding from Australia, is set to upgrade its digital infrastructure with three Google-built subsea cables. This initiative, under the Pukpuk Treaty, aims to enhance regional stability and attract digital investments by linking key regions in PNG with high-capacity connections.

In a significant leap for the digital infrastructure of Papua New Guinea, Alphabet's Google will construct three subsea cables, a project funded by Australia under the recently established mutual defence treaty. This initiative marks a strategic upgrade for the Pacific Island nation's digital backbone.

Military strategists in Australia and the U.S. regard Papua New Guinea's resource-rich position north of Australia as increasingly important amidst China's growing influence. The $120-million project aims to connect northern and southern regions of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville autonomous region, ensuring high-capacity and reliable communication links.

Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili, emphasized the project's alignment with Australia's commitments under the Pukpuk Treaty and its role in promoting digital security and regional stability. The initiative further cements Australia and PNG's shared interests in enhancing national development and attracting international digital enterprises.

(With inputs from agencies.)