DILI, 31 may 2022 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Interministerial Committee (The Ministry of Planning and Territory, Ministry of Finance, the coordinating minister for Economic Affairs, and The Ministry of Transport and Communications) and Alcatel Submarine Network (ASN), today, sign Timor-Leste’s South Submarine Cable (TLSSC) project implementation.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Transport and Communications, José Agustinho da Silva and the Representative of the ASN, Craig Carter, and accompanied by the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, Australia Ambassador to Timor-Leste, William Costelo, the Vice Prime Minister, José Maria dos Reis, and Minister of Finance, Rui Augusto Gomes.
The signing of the agreement would pave way for the Government and ASN to kick off the implementation of the submarine fiber-optic cable system project in the near future with a direct connection to Darwin and Port Hedland, Australia.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak said the submarine fiber-optic cable system would ensure internet access for all Timorese people with the fastest high-speed service regardless of social class and so on.
“The signing of this agreement marks an important step for the economic diversification and the reduction of the nation’s dependence on oil revenues,” Ruak said at the Palace of the Government, in Dili, on monday.
He said in terms of education, the submarine fiber-optic cable system would provide great opportunities for the Timorese people to access the world’s top education system: “It would accelerate training and education, especially in updating knowledge to our young Timorese.”
At the same place, the Representative of the ASN, Craig Carter said ASN is a market leader in the Subsea Industry with over 160 years of experience in manufacturing and installing successfully over 700.000 kilometers of submarine telecommunications cable systems all around the world.
“ASN, in fact, installed the first submarine cable system between France and US in 1840. We have a proven track record in the Asia Pacific Region, with having installed over 10 systems in the Oceania Region in the last 10 years,” he recalled.
Carter thanked the government and the people of Timor-Leste for putting their trust in ASN for the implementation of the multimillion-dollar project: “It’s a great honor and privilege to be here today on behalf of the ASN. Thank you, Timor-Leste, Government, and the Timorese people for selecting ASN.”
Ambassador William Costelo said the TLSCC project would be transformative for Timor-Leste: “It will connect Timor-Leste to the global network submarine fiber optic cables.
He said with the grant funding given by Australian fiber and network solutions provider company VOCUS helped to provide fast, reliable, and affordable internet for Timor-Leste’s people, households, businesses, and the government.
Echoing Ruak’s statement, Ambassador Bill reiterated that faster and more affordable internet will enable better access to education, growth of the digital economy, growth of government services and its ability to do more work remotely, the opportunity for better research and development and growth in other sectors through better technology.
Last month, the Government of Timor-Leste approved the international tender for the public contract for the acquisition and installation of the digital optical cable from Timor-Leste to Darwin, Australia, and Port Hedland.
The government of Timor-Leste has allocated US$ 41.6 million of the 2022 General State Budget for the acquisition of submarine fiber optic cable equipment.
In january, four companies – SACOM TL, Metrolindo, Moratelindo, and Telkomcel – submitted their proposals to Timor-Leste’s TradeInvest to invest in the fiber optic project.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
