China to fund cable project

The Exim Bank of China will finance the construction of the K661 million (US$200 million) PNG Kumul domestic submarine cable project, says Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investment William Duma.
He said this was being done in preparation for the Coral Sea submarine cable from Australia, in order to distribute increased internet capacity nationwide.
The Kumul cable will run from Port Moresby, Alotau, Popondetta, Lae and Madang. “We would like to thank the people of China, who through the Exim Bank of
China have agreed to fund this important domestic project to
the tune of US$200 million,” Duma said.
“Huawei is the company appointed to help us construct this important project.”
The landing point is located at the Kila Police Barracks in Port Moresby. Construction would be completed towards the end of the year.
Infrastructure will come under PNG DataCo as the internet wholesale arm of Kumul Telikom Holdings.
“This is the construction of the landing site for both the Coral Sea submarine cable from Australia all the way to Papua New Guinea, and the Kumul domestic submarine cable that we are embarking on,” Duma said.
“The Australian government has agreed to help the Government of Papua New Guinea by funding most of the cost of the cable from Sydney to Port Moresby. I have been advised that the Australian government has selected a company called Vocus, who will be responsible for the construction of the cable to PNG as well as to Solomon Islands.
“We are grateful to Australia for continuing to help us when we need them.”
Papua New Guinea is expected to contribute 10 per cent of the total cost for the construction of the Coral Sea submarine cable.