BW Digital subsidiary Hawaiki Nui Submarine Cable LP has signed contracts with the Australian Government to extend the Hawaiki Nui subsea cable network.
The 26,000km fiber optic cable system linking Southeast Asia, Australasia, and North America is adding branching units to supply connectivity to the Pacific Islands.
Construction of the cable is due to commence in 2024 and will be ready for service in 2026.
The extension is being funded by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).
“The contracts between the Australian Government and BW Digital demonstrate our joint commitment to bridge the digital divide and provide secure, high-speed connectivity to Pacific island countries,” said Ludovic Hutier, chief executive officer of BW Digital.
Countries that will be connected by the cable system include Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and the US.
BW Digital has not specified which islands will be connected, though there were previous discussions with the Office des postes et telecommunications of French Polynesia to connect the nation, and also the possibility to add spurs connecting to Tahiti, American Samoa, and Hawaii.
Earlier this month, Google announced two new transpacific cables that would link the US, Australia, Fiji, and French Polynesia as part of its South Pacific Connect initiative. The cables will be called Honomoana and Tabua.
