Vocus wins $136.6m subsea cable deal

The Australian Government has awarded a $136.6 million contract to Vocus Group to build the Coral Sea Cable System, a submarine cable system between Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Australia will deliver and majority-fund the cables, with a financial co-contribution from both PNG and Solomon Islands. The international submarine cable will use advanced multiterabit technology to improve the international connectivity of Papua New Guinea and introduce high-speed international telecommunications cables to Solomon Islands. Completion of the cable build is scheduled for late 2019.

In addition to the international submarine cable, the Australian Government has contracted Vocus to construct a domestic submarine network within Solomon Islands, to extend the benefits of the cable beyond Honiara to the outer provinces where the majority of the Solomon Islands population lives.

“Australia’s strong support for this project is a reflection of our enduring commitment to the Pacific, where we work with partners to support the region’s stability, security and prosperity,” said Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop in a statement.

World Bank research estimates improved internet access and connectivity could grow GDP by more than US$5 billion and create close to 300,000 new jobs in the Pacific by 2040.

Vocus Group Managing Director and CEO Kevin Russell said, “We are pleased to build on our strong relationship with the federal government and undertake this critical infrastructure project on their behalf. In this digital age, we all rely heavily on access to fast, reliable and affordable connectivity.

“Our recent experience constructing world-class domestic fibre infrastructure, including the submarine North-West Cable System and Australia Singapore Cable, means Vocus is extremely well placed to partner with the federal government to complete this important project,” he said.