Google to lay undersea cables in Papua New Guinea

SYDNEY

Internet giant Google will lay three undersea cables in Papua New Guinea as part of a landmark defense deal the Pacific nation signed with Australia this year.

The $120 million project, to be funded by Australia, will create "a more resilient, multi-route digital backbone for the nation," the island nation said in a statement.

Minister for Information and Communications Technology Peter Tsiamalili Jr said the cables — providing connectivity to northern and southern parts of Papua New Guinea, as well as the autonomous region of Bougainville — will lay the foundation for the country to become a "regional digital anchor."

Tsiamalili said he met with Australian and U.S. diplomats last week to discuss the project at Google's Sydney office and the company's "role as a partner for the submarine cable rollout."

The laying and operation of undersea cables was long the preserve of large telecoms operators, but internet giants have largely taken over in recent years as they strive to keep up with ballooning flows of data.

About 1.4 million kilometers of fibre-optic cables are laid on the ocean floor, enabling the provision of essential services such as trade, financial transactions and public services around the world.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the national broadcaster ABC the cables would lower internet prices, increase economic growth and education opportunities.