8 Nov 2023

US and Australia set to provide cheaper internet for the Pacific

From , 6:01 am on 8 November 2023
Cross section of a submarine communications cable - 3d illustration.

Photo: 123RF

More reliable and cheaper internet are on the cards for some Pacific nations. 

Google will run undersea internet cables to at least eight countries in the region under a joint U.S.-Australian deal. 

Canberra will contribute 50 million US dollars and Washington is adding another 15 million. 

Dr Amanda Watson, research fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University, says the deal could be a big benefit to the countries getting the cable. 

She speaks with RNZ Pacific's Caleb Fotheringham.