ADB approves US$10m for SI internet linkup

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved US$7.5 million grant and US$10.5 million loan for the US$60 million Solomon Islands broadband for development project,  which will build a submarine cable system to deliver good quality high-speed internet services at affordable prices to the people of Solomon Islands.
The Solomons government will on-lend this entire amount to the Solomon Oceanic Cable Co, which is also seeking private sector loans including from ADB’s private sector wing.
The submarine cable system will connect Solomon Islands to an existing international submarine cable network that runs between Guam and Sydney, Australia.

The cable system is expected to be in place by December next year.
“The development of the new submarine cable system is a critical step in Solomon Islands international connectivity and will effectively open up efficient and reliable telecommunications access to the country’s population,” ADB Pacific Department director general Xianbin Yao said.
a