Nabilah S
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) partnered with BwebwerikiNET Ltd (BNL) and the Government of Kiribati to mark a significant milestone: the arrival of a fiber optic cable, bringing high-speed broadband closer to reality for the Pacific nation.
Kiribati President Taneti Mamau was present at the event, alongside Minister for Information, Communication, Transport, and Tourism Development Tekeeua Tarati, who delivered the keynote address. Prerecorded speeches were also given by ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez and Southern Cross Cables Limited Chief Executive Officer Laurie Miller.
This achievement is a result of the Improving Internet Connectivity for Micronesia Project, supported by ADB, which facilitated the installation of a submarine cable connection between Kiritimati Island and a transpacific cable system linking Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. This endeavor aims to provide Kiribati with faster and more affordable internet access.
“Access to high-speed and high-quality internet is crucial for the development of a nation,” stated Tarati. “Its potential for socioeconomic progress cannot be overstated, benefiting both private and public sectors. Information and communication technology (ICT) plays a vital role in advancing health, education, agriculture, tourism, governance, finance sectors, as well as disaster management and climate change adaptation.”
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted US$21.6 million to Kiribati to support the Kiritimati cable component of the project. The government plans to officially launch the high-speed internet services in July 2022.
“Inclusive growth and investment in ICT are central to ADB’s Pacific Approach,” noted Gutierrez. “This project will provide affordable and accessible ICT services, lowering costs for businesses, governments, and households.”
