DILI, 21 june 2023 (TATOLI) – The outgoing Minister of Transport and Communications, José Agustinho da Silva, said that Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable (TLSSC) project should be concluded in 2024.
He said that the National Communications Authority (NCA) will make efforts to accelerate all works, including the tender for the cable landing station, in order to complete the project based on the estimated completion date.
“If there are no obstacles, we will complete the project by the end of 2024,” Silva made the comments at the 12th Exchange Meeting of the Communications Authority of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP), at Suai Room, in Timor Plaza, Dili, on wednesday.
He said that Timor-Leste is currently in the phase of manufacturing the essential materials, saying as soon as all the materials are ready, the installation phase will begin.
“This project is a crucial component for Timor-Leste, as it will provide internet access to all Timorese throughout the country. It will obviously improve the quality of education, boost economic growth, develop our tourism sector, etc,” said Silva.
The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, in his speech at the meeting said that having a good telecommunications system is part of one of the requirements explained in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“The development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Timor-Leste will have a greater impact, especially on human capital development, inclusive economy, e-government, health, education, and agriculture,” Horta said.
ANC president João Olivio Freitas said that as regulators, ANC’s responsibility is to ensure an efficient and reliable operation of the cable.
“The regulation of international submarine cables presents us with multifaceted challenges and opportunities that require the collaboration of all parties,” added Freitas.
The project is estimated to cost between US$40 and US$60 million and will be 100% funded by Timor-Leste.
According to Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan (SDG 2011 -2030), one of the important aspects of infrastructure development in the country is the establishment of fiber optic submarine cables to facilitate faster and more affordable internet connectivity.
TLSSC Project Overview:
In 2014 – The creation of the North-West Cable System (NWCS) by the Vocus Group and Timor-Leste was interested in connecting to the NWCS.
In 2016 – Timor and Vocus Group Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
In 2017 – Timor-Leste and Vocus Group signed Option Agreement.
In 2019 – Timor-Leste and Australian Government issued a Joint Statement for bilateral cooperation in the development of the TLSSC project, including Front End Engineering Design (FEED) preparation.
In 2020 – FEED for TLSSC was completed by Timor-Leste and Vocus Group.
In 2022 – Timor-Leste and Alcatel Submarine Network (ASN) signed a public contract.
Vocus Group is Australia’s fourth largest telecommunications company based in Sydney, Australia.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
