The East Micronesia Cable has reached its final Pacific destination with a successful landing in Kosrae, bringing the region one step closer to faster and more reliable internet connectivity.
The milestone was marked by a ceremony on Kosrae’s shores as the cable lay ship Normand Clipper floated the undersea cable to land, guided by the ceremonial buoy. Leaders and community representatives gathered to celebrate, reflecting a shared hope that the project will transform digital opportunities for the islands.
Among those present were FSM Vice President Aren Palik, Kosrae State Governor Tulensa Palik, and FSM Congress Senators Yoselyn Sigrah and Johnson Asher, joined by senior officials from national and state governments as well as funding partners Australia, Japan and the United States.
“This cable will play an essential role in securing FSM’s digital future,” said Sarah McCarthy, Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires to FSM. “Australia is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside our partners and invest in critical infrastructure that meets the priorities of communities across the Pacific.”
The AUD135 million project is fully grant funded through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), together with Japan and the United States. Stretching 2,250 kilometres, the undersea cable will connect Tarawa in Kiribati, Nauru and Kosrae to the existing HANTRU-1 landing point in Pohnpei, FSM.
Once operational, the East Micronesia Cable will serve more than 100,000 people across the three nations, delivering faster, more affordable internet and opening access to education, health services, information and global markets. It is also expected to boost trade, employment and the reach of digital government services.
For island nations already vulnerable to climate change, the cable brings another form of resilience. Improved connectivity will help governments respond more effectively to natural disasters while reducing the risk of service outages during severe weather.
The Kosrae landing follows earlier ones in Kiribati and Nauru. With all connections now in place, the East Micronesia Cable is on track to be ready for service by November 2025.
For many in the islands, the landing was more than a technical achievement—it symbolised the bridging of distance and the promise of a more connected Pacific future.
