Today, June 24th, 2024, the 9th Constitutional Government, led by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, launched the first installation of the “Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable” (TLSSC), at the Cable Landing Station in Bebonuk, Dili, which connects Timor-Leste to Darwin, Australia.
The Prime Minister called the event a historic celebration of Timor-Leste’s digital transformation. The TLSSC represents a significant milestone in developing the country’s infrastructure and demonstrates a solid commitment to its progress and modernisation.
In 2012, the government liberalised the telecommunications sector, resulting in a competitive market with three mobile service providers. Since 2015, the coverage of these services has increased to all municipal towns and 96 per cent of the population. However, despite this progress, international connectivity depends on expensive satellites. Recognising these limitations, the Government decided in 2016 to invest in an international optic fibre cable system.
The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction at seeing the installation of the TLSSC, the country’s first submarine cable, and said that, based on the experience of other economies, this cable will not only boost telecommunications but will also stimulate economic activities by enabling the development of other sectors.
Fast and secure internet is essential for connecting people to the modern world. A modern and efficient network will help accelerate economic development and achieve the SDP goals. The fibre optic cable will promote economic growth and improve the quality of life of the Timorese.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the TLSSC for economic diversification. It will enable more efficient business interactions, which will promote growth and the creation of job opportunities. It will also support the development of new industries and strengthen existing ones, leading to a more diversified and resilient economy.
A good digital infrastructure will promote more efficient and accessible services in the public services sphere. From e-government initiatives to online services, secure and reliable connectivity will play a crucial role in making Government more responsive and transparent.
Timor-Leste would like to thank the Government of Australia for its support and collaboration on the project, as well as the teams, engineers, and all the stakeholders from Alcatel Submarine Network, Vocus, and government departments who have contributed to making this vision a reality.
The Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Manetelu, considered this event to be the culmination of a ten-year process. The TLSSC cable, which can transfer data at 27 terabits per second between Timor-Leste and Australia, will significantly leap from the current usage of 20-30 gigabits per second.
With a length of 607 km, including seven repeaters and a dedicated Greater Sunrise Branch Unit (BU), the cable will use high-voltage electricity (around 6,000 WATT), requiring adequate protection to avoid risks to the population. The connection to the Northwest Cable System will allow fast and efficient connections to Darwin, Sydney, and Los Angeles, among others.
Australia’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, congratulated the Government of Timor-Leste on this historic milestone. Marc Genot, Vice President of ASN’s Energy Solutions Unit, predicted that the cable installation would be completed later this year, benefiting the entire Timorese population.
Members of the government, the diplomatic corps, the private sector, and other guests attended the launch ceremony.