Australia and Papua New Guinea ponder three new subsea cables

07 July 2025

The governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are in discussions regarding the potential development of three new subsea cable systems aimed at expanding PNG’s digital infrastructure.

PNG’s Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) confirmed that it recently dispatched a delegation to Canberra to consult with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) to explore possible support for the project.

The proposed subsea cables are envisioned to significantly improve PNG’s internet capacity, enhance network redundancy, and strengthen regional digital integration — aligning with the country’s broader digital transformation strategy. These developments are seen as vital for enabling broader digital inclusion and fostering economic growth.

“These cables are not just physical infrastructure—they are bridges for digital inclusion and economic opportunity. We are pursuing this initiative with urgency and shared strategic intent,” said Timothy Masiu, PNG’s Minister for Information and Communications Technology.

During the discussions, the PNG delegation also engaged with leading technology providers, including Amazon Web Services, Oracle, and Australian telecoms and data centre company Vocus. The conversations focused on leveraging cloud computing and AI technologies to modernise government services and enhance digital resilience.