PNG currently relies on satellite and microwave communications, and Huawei Marine and PNG DataCo intend to construct a national submarine cable network to provide the backbone telecommunications needed by major coastal centres and islands in Papua New Guinea.

"At 5457km in length, the submarine cable network will provide domestic connectivity across 14 main population centre's cities and international connectivity by a link to Jayapura in Indonesia," Huwei Marine said.

The design capacity of the system is 8Tbps, which will cater for increased bandwidth demand over the next 10 to 15 years. When completed, the network will cover 55% of the population and will provide more than 70% of Papua New Guinea's domestic bandwidth requirements.

DataCo's MD Paul Komboi said the new system would be very important to Papua New Guinea as it included not only a new submarine cable network but also internet gateways and data centres.

"This will improve the whole ICT infrastructure in the country and greatly increase network coverage, capacity and the availability of Internet and broadband services to end users. DataCo is proud to contribute to the national broadband plan in the country. Our selection of the experienced team at Huawei Marine, following a tender process, will ensure a successful implementation and delivery of this system."

Huawei Marine CEO Mike Constable said that for island nations, submarine cable systems were key components required for the development of an affordable and effective ICT infrastructure.

"We are proud to be partnering with DataCo to improve and expand telecommunication access in support of Papua New Guinea's social and economic development," Constable said.