Google is set to construct three subsea cables in Papua New Guinea, in a project funded by Australia as part of a mutual defense treaty. The initiative aims to boost the digital infrastructure of Papua New Guinea, which is the largest Pacific Island nation, and holds strategic significance for Australian and US military strategists due to its location north of Australia. This becomes particularly important in the context of China’s increasing influence in the region.
The project, valued at USD 120 million, is set to link the northern and southern parts of Papua New Guinea, as well as the Bougainville autonomous region, with high-capacity cables. The plans were unveiled by Peter Tsiamalili, the country’s Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology.
According to Tsiamalili, the entire investment is being funded through Australia’s commitments under the Pukpuk Treaty, a mutual defense pact signed just last October. Australia and Papua New Guinea are demonstrating their joint commitment to enhancing digital security, regional stability, and national development through this project.
Google is assigned to build the subsea cables, and discussions about the project have taken place between Tsiamalili, Australian diplomats, and US diplomats at Google’s Australian office.
Australia’s foreign affairs department has indicated that the new cables will help to reduce internet costs for consumers, while also supporting economic growth and improving educational opportunities. Tsiamalili, who also serves as the Police Minister, highlighted the fact that these cables will place Papua New Guinea in an appealing position for investment from hyperscalers and global digital enterprises.
The Pukpuk Treaty permits Australian defense personnel to access Papua New Guinea’s communication systems, including satellite stations and cables. Meanwhile, the United States is also strengthening its military ties with Papua New Guinea, having signed a defense cooperation pact in 2023.
Australia and the United States have been funding various subsea cables across the Pacific Islands in recent years, in order to counteract China’s efforts to construct crucial communication links, which they perceive as a security risk.
Australia has pledged over AUD 450 million (USD 300 million) to support undersea cable connectivity throughout the Pacific and Timor-Leste. This includes the Coral Sea Cable, which connects Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Australia.
In a separate development, Google announced plans last November to build a data hub on Australia’s Indian Ocean outpost of Christmas Island, which is another strategic defense location. New cables are set to link the island with Australian cities that host key defense bases also used by the U.S. military. Two more cable systems are planned to extend westwards to Africa and Asia, thus reinforcing the resilience of Indian Ocean internet infrastructure.
What is the purpose of the new subsea cables in Papua New Guinea?
These cables aim to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure, support economic growth, and improve educational opportunities.
Who is funding the construction of the new subsea cables?
The project is being funded by Australia as part of their commitments under the Pukpuk Treaty, a mutual defense pact.
Why is Papua New Guinea’s digital infrastructure important to the US and Australia?
Papua New Guinea is strategically significant due to its location north of Australia. Enhancing its digital infrastructure can also help to counteract China’s increasing influence in the region.
