By Kirsty Needham
SYDNEY, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Google, part of Alphabet, is set to construct three underwater cables in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The largest Pacific Island nation emphasizes that this project is funded by Australia as part of a mutual defense agreement, enhancing its digital infrastructure.
Australian and U.S. military strategists recognize PNG's strategic importance, located north of Australia amidst China's growing influence in the region.
This $120 million initiative will connect northern and southern regions of PNG, as well as the Bougainville autonomous area, with high-capacity cables, according to Peter Tsiamalili, the acting minister for information and communications technology in PNG.
Funding through the Pukpuk Treaty
Tsiamalili stated, “The entire investment is funded through Australia’s commitments under the Pukpuk Treaty,” referring to a mutual defense pact signed in October. He added that this project showcases both countries' dedication to enhancing digital security, regional stability, and national growth.
Google will manage the construction of the subsea cables, with Tsiamalili recently meeting with Australian and U.S. diplomats at Google’s office in Australia to discuss this initiative.
A spokesperson for Google Australia declined to comment on the project.
According to Australia's foreign affairs department, these new cables will reduce internet costs for consumers, boost economic growth, and expand educational opportunities.
Tsiamalili, who also serves as police minister, mentioned that the cables will help attract further investment from large tech firms and global digital businesses.
The Pukpuk Treaty grants Australian defense personnel access to PNG’s communication systems, including satellite stations and cables. The U.S. is also enhancing its military cooperation with PNG, having signed a defense cooperation agreement in 2023.
Countering China’s Influence
Australia and the U.S. have funded different subsea cable projects across the Pacific Islands in recent years to counter China's attempts to develop essential communication links, which Australia views as a security concern.
In 2018, PNG’s domestic submarine cable was installed by China’s Huawei, with funding from a loan provided by China’s EXIM bank.
An Australian foreign affairs official stated that Australia has pledged over A$450 million (approximately $300 million) to improve underwater cable connectivity throughout the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including the Coral Sea Cable linking PNG, the Solomon Islands, and Australia.
Australia is also anticipated to finance a new international cable to PNG.
Last month, Google announced plans to create a data hub on Christmas Island, a strategic location in Australia’s Indian Ocean, which will be connected to Australian cities that host essential defense bases utilized by the U.S. military.
Moreover, two additional cable systems will extend westward to Africa and Asia, aimed at enhancing the resilience of the Indian Ocean's internet infrastructure, according to Google.
($1 = 1.5033 Australian dollars)