Google is installing two new transpacific subsea cables in the Pacific Ocean as part of the South Pacific Connect initiative.
The first cable, named Honomoana after the Polynesian word for “link” and “ocean,” will connect French Polynesia to the United States and Australia. Meanwhile, Tabua, named after a sacred Fijian whale’s tooth, will serve communities in Fiji.
The initiative will be conducted with the aid of regional partners to improve access, affordability and reliability of internet connectivity in the Pacific.
“With more access to digital services, people can develop new skills that open up career opportunities, while businesses and public sector organizations can better serve their customers and constituents,” Google said in a press release.
As part of the South Pacific Connect initiative, the Mountain View, California-headquartered company will also create a “ring” between Australia, Fiji and French Polynesia that will enable other parts of Oceania to connect to the internet. It will be the first time projects of its kind will be carried out in the Pacific, creating redundancy in connectivity in an area prone to natural disasters.
