NEC East Micronesia Submarine Cable Project Expands Regional Connectivity
NEC Corporationย signed a contract with theย East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS)ย consortium to build aย 2,250โkilometer submarine cable network. Theย NEC East Micronesia Submarine Cable Projectย will link four islands across theย Federated States of Micronesia (FSM),ย Kiribati, andย Nauru, improving internet connectivity throughout the Pacific.
Strengthening Digital Links Across the Pacific
The undersea cable, valued at aboutย USโฏ$95โฏmillion, will connectย Kosraeย in the FSM,ย Tarawaย in Kiribati, andย Nauruย with an existing landing point inย Pohnpei. The consortium includesย FSM Telecommunications Cable Corp. (FSMTCC),ย BwebwerikiNet Ltd.ย of Kiribati, andย Nauru Fibre Cable Corp.ย of Nauru.
This new link will strengthen ties between the island nations and expand access to highโspeed internet across the IndoโPacific.
Global Support for Regional Development
The governments ofย Australia,ย Japan, and theย United Statesย are funding the project through international grants. Their goal is to enhance secure digital infrastructure while promoting open and reliable communications across the region.
According to the partners, upcoming steps include route surveys, design finalization, and manufacturing of the cable. The project is expected to reach completion inย 2025.
Aligning with IndoโPacific Connectivity Goals
This announcement follows a statement from theย Quad allianceโJapan, the U.S., Australia, and Indiaโwhich stressed the importance of undersea cables as a foundation for modern communications. Theย U.S. State Departmentย reaffirmed that โsecure and resilient digital connectivity has never been more important,โ noting this projectโs role in linking the Pacific region.
Expanding Access for More Pacific Communities
Once completed, the cable will connect overย 100,000 residentsย across the three island countries.ย GordonโฏSegal,ย CEO of FSMTCC, said the project will finally bringย Kosrae, the last FSM state without submarine cable access, online. He noted that improved connectivity will help citizens reach essential digital services and information more easily.
NEC Advances Technology for Island Nations
AtsushiโฏKuwahara,ย Managing Director of NECโs Submarine Network Division, said the company is honored to support this effort. โNECโs experience in optical submarine cable technology helps island nations strengthen communications and improve quality of life,โ he explained.
With this project,ย NECย continues to lead in innovation, ensuring Pacific communities benefit from faster, more reliable digital connections. For more details, visitย NECโs Submarine Networks page.
