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Working together to improve telecommunications
Download PDF THE HON. MALCOLM TURNBULL MP
PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA
THE HON. PETER O'NEILL CMG MP
PRIME MINISTER OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Sunday, 12 November2017
Working Together to Improve Telecommunications
The Prime Ministerof Australia, Malcolm Turnbull and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Peter
O'Neill met on the margins of the 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
Both Prime Ministers committed toworkingtogetherto lay a new undersea highspeed
telecommunications cable from Australia to Port Moresby, supportingthe future digital economy in
Papua New Guinea and facilitating closereconomic integration between the two neighbours.
Australia will deliverthe undersea cable and is in discussions with an experienced Australian
telecommunications infrastructure specialist.
The undersea cable will provide significant improvements in internet reliability and qualityin Papua New
Guinea, providing substantial economic and development benefits.
Prime MinisterTurnbull said that "Australia's firm supportforthis project is reflection ofourstrong
relationship with Papua New Guinea, and ourdesire to build an even closer economic partnership into
the 21st century".
Prime Minister O'Neil l said that "the layingof the newtelecommunications cable will have a positive
impacton business engagement in the countryand significant social benefits.
"We are continuingto expand the use of the internetin education, aswell asthe application ofdigital
technologies in the delivery healthcare.
"We thank Australia for partneringwith Papua New Guinea on this project that isvery important for
ongoing economic development.
The project will be well underway during Papua New Guinea's hosting year of APEC in 2018 with the
theme of 'Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future'.
Australia has also been inclose discussions with the Solomon Islands Government about layinga similar
undersea cable from Austral iato Honiara. Both Papua New Guinea and Australia are committed to
working with Solomon Islands to laythe undersea cables at the same time, all owing Solomon Islands to
reap the same e con omicand development benefits of fast and reliable telecommunications.
As close neighbours and friends, Papua New Guinea and Australia are committed to supporting inclusive
economicgrowth in the Pacific, includingthrough better internet connectivity, which is a significant
driver for productivity and development.
Media contact:
Prime Minister's office: Press Office, (02) 6277 7744
