IB2021/19 Undersea Internet Cables in the Pacific Part 1: Recent and Planned Expansion

This is the first of two In Briefs looking at undersea internet cables in the Pacific region. Such cables allow the transfer of internet data through optical fibre and offer an alternative to satellite technology. This In Brief includes a map showing international internet cables for Pacific Island countries and a table indicating the cable laying companies, completion dates and funding arrangements. An accompanying paper explores relevant cybersecurity risks, geopolitical issues and questions of reliability.

Keywords: cable, cable communication, cable laying, diplomacy, Oceania, optical fiber, Pacific, Pacific region, Pacific studies, undersea cable, sea cable, submarine cable, subsea cable.