Prysmian has secured a contract to supply approximately 740 km of submarine fiber optic cable for the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link (HIFL) project, a cornerstone infrastructure initiative designed to deliver equitable broadband access across all six main Hawaiian islands by late 2026.

A press release said that the HIFL cable system represents a critical component of the Hawaiʻi’s Connect Kākou initiative to provide reliable broadband service to all residents, businesses, educational institutions and government facilities. The submarine cable system will span approximately 416 miles of seabed between islands, with cables ranging from 1.1 in. in diameter in shallower waters to about 0.6 in. at maximum depths. The installation will connect cable landing sites on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.

Each cable landing site will employ horizontal directional drilling to traverse underneath shorelines to offshore connection points, minimizing environmental impact while ensuring secure cable placement. The system design incorporates 24 fiber pairs with a 25-year operational life expectancy.