DILI, 24 june 2024 (TATOLI) – On monday, the authorities began the installation of Timor-Leste’s South Submarine Cable (TLSSC), at the Landing Station in Bebonuk, Dili.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in his speech said that the kickoff of the installation of the TLSSC is a historic milestone in Timor-Leste’s journey toward digital transformation: “This is not just a significant milestone in our infrastructure development, but a testament to our unwavering commitment to the development and modernization of Timor-Leste,” said Gusmão.”
Prime Minister said that the submarine cable will enable Timor-Leste to provide greater access to educational resources, supporting Timor-Leste’s goal of providing high-quality education for all: “Students and educators across the nation will benefit from improved connectivity, allowing for the integration of digital learning tools and resources that are essential for modern education.”
“In healthcare, enhanced connectivity will facilitate better medical services, ensuring that healthcare professionals can provide timely and effective care, particularly in remote areas. This aligns with our objective to improve the overall healthcare system and accessibility for all citizens,” Gusmão stressed. “For economic diversification, reliable and high-speed internet will allow our businesses to better interact with their counterparts overseas, fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities. It will support the development of new industries and the expansion of existing ones, driving our nation towards a more diversified and resilient economy.”
Prime Minister said that for public services, the improved digital infrastructure will enable more efficient and accessible public services: “From e-government initiatives to online services, secure and reliable broadband access will play a critical role in making government services more responsive and transparent.”
“As we move forward, let us remember that the TLSSC is more than just a cable; it is a lifeline that will bridge Timor-Leste with the global digital community. It will empower our youth with access to knowledge, create new opportunities for businesses, and ensure that our citizens can connect with the world in unprecedented ways. Today, we celebrate the dawn of a new era of connectivity for Timor-Leste. Let us embrace the opportunities it brings and work together to build a brighter, more connected future for our beloved nation,” he said.
Gusmão ended his speech by extending his heartfelt gratitude to the Australian Government for their invaluable support and collaboration throughout this project: “Your partnership have been instrumental in bringing the Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable System to fruition. Additionally, I would like to thank all the teams, engineers, and stakeholders from Alcatel Submarine Networks, Vocus, and our own government departments, whose tireless efforts and dedication have made this vision a reality. Your contributions are deeply appreciated and have set the foundation for a brighter future for Timor-Leste.”
Marc Genot, Vice-President of Alcatel Submarine Networks, said that submarine telecommunications cables offer an almost unlimited capacity for transporting information compared to other technologies.
“Currently, 99% of international internet traffic is carried by submarine telecommunications cables. It is known that the economic impact of improving internet speed is large and covers many industries and community interests. For example, in the education sector, easy access to the internet at affordable prices opens up countless opportunities for quality education,” he said.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
