Google plans to build three subsea cables in Papua New Guinea, funded by Australia under a mutual defence agreement between the two countries.
According to Reuters, the US$120 million backbone upgrade forms part of the Pukpuk Treaty signed in October, under which Australia committed to the mutual defence of Papua New Guinea.
PNG’s acting minister for information and communications technology, Peter Tsiamalili, said the project reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening digital security, regional stability and national development. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the cables will also help lower connectivity costs, boost economic activity and expand educational opportunities.
Australia has committed more than AUD450 million (around US$300 million) to support subsea cable projects across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including the Coral Sea Cable linking Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Australia, an Australian foreign affairs official told Reuters.
The news agency reported that Australia is pursuing these investments in part to counter China’s growing influence in the region, which Canberra views as a security concern.
Australia and Papua New Guinea has been in talks to construct the cables since July.
