Landmark six-nation partnership delivers East Micronesia Cable

Joint media release with: Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Minister for Defence Industry 01 September 2026 A landmark six-nation partnership backed by the Albanese Government has delivered the East Micronesia Cable system, bringing reliable, high-capacity telecommunications connectivity to communities across Micronesia for the first time. The 2,250 km East Micronesia Cable will bring faster, more reliable and more affordable internet to over 100,000 people across Naoero, Tarawa in Kiribati and Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia.

This will provide the regional connectivity that underpins essential services, economic activity and community relationships. The cable also greatly reduces the risk of telecommunications outages, helping people and businesses stay connected to the everyday services they rely on. The Australian Government contributed approximately $AUD65 million to the $AUD135 million project through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.

Bringing together the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and Naoero, with support from Australia, Japan and the United States, the project demonstrates what can be achieved when Pacific countries and partners work together to deliver shared regional priorities. With the East Micronesia Cable complete, all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea telecommunications infrastructure for the first time, a milestone supporting a more connected and digitally resilient Blue Pacific.

Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong: "Improved connectivity enhances the Pacific region's resilience and capacity to respond to economic and security challenges. "The East Micronesia Cable will drive growth and opportunity, strengthen essential services and contribute to long-term regional stability, which benefits us all." Quotes attributable to Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy: "The East Micronesia Cable demonstrates what can be achieved when Pacific nations work together for the benefit of the region.

"Together with the Pacific and partners Japan and the United States, we are delivering lasting infrastructure that builds a safe, peaceful and prosperous region and will benefit Pacific communities for decades to come. "The East Micronesia Cable will help families stay connected, support businesses to grow, expand access to education and healthcare and create new opportunities in an increasingly digital world."