A new undersea cable funded by Australia under a recent mutual defence agreement with Papua New Guinea is set to strengthen the island country’s digital infrastructure and ensure continuity of network communications in emergencies.
The project, worth a total of 845 million kina (about 120 million US dollars), will be built by Google and will connect the northern and southern regions of Papua New Guinea, as well as the autonomous region of Bougainville , to high-capacity cable systems.
This was confirmed by the acting Minister for Information and Communications Technologies, Peter Tsiamalili, specifying that the entire investment will be covered by Australia in implementation of the commitments undertaken under the Pukpuk Treaty.
According to the minister, the initiative represents a further step in bilateral cooperation between the two countries on digital security, regional stability, and national development. The Pukpuk Treaty, also known as the “Crocodile Treaty,” signed in October 2025, also provides Australian defense personnel with access to Papua New Guinea’s communications systems, including satellite infrastructure and cable networks.
The project was the subject of diplomatic discussion in December 2025, when Tsiamalili met with Australian and US officials in Australia. Canberra and Washington consider Papua New Guinea a strategic partner in the context of regional dynamics linked to China’s growing influence in the Pacific region.
At the same time, new infrastructure projects are being planned on Christmas Island, an Australian territory located in the Indian Ocean and considered of strategic importance. Two new submarine cables will connect the island to the east with Australian cities hosting important military bases, including those used by the US Armed Forces. Additional connections to the west will connect Christmas Island with Africa and Asia, further strengthening the regional digital network.
The strengthening of relations between the United States and Papua New Guinea is part of a broader framework of cooperation, formally launched with the signing of a defense agreement in 2023. In December 2025, Australia and the United States also announced a joint initiative to work with Papua New Guinea on the development of digital and telecommunications infrastructure.
Cooperation between the three countries also extends to local economic development. In particular, joint projects are underway to develop the port city of Lae.
Defense officials reported that Australia will participate in the port’s redevelopment, while the United States will provide support for infrastructure upgrades and training programs dedicated to cargo inspection and control. The goal is to improve port security, combat transnational crime, and foster economic development in the area.
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