Palau Telecoms taps Xtera for turnkey submarine cable system linking Palau to Guam
Palau Telecoms, a supplier of wireless broadband Internet services to the island nation of the same name, has signed a letter of intent with Xtera Communications, Inc. for the turnkey supply and installation of a submarine cable system that will connect Palau to Guam.
The deal marks an important milestone for Palau Telecoms, the company says. The objective of the infrastructure investment in is to supplement the satellite infrastructure that currently serves Palau. Switching from satellite to optical infrastructure will increase the capacity, enhance the availability, and reduce the latency of the network, improving the quality and stability of services, Palau Telcom says. Additionally, the new optical transmission infrastructure will make it possible for Palau Telecom to offer fixed-line and wireless data services at more competitive prices.
Under the terms of the agreement, Xtera will design and install the system for Palau Telecoms using the optical transport systems vendor’s 100G subsea optical plant and submarine line terminal equipment. The system will provide high-capacity fiber-optic connectivity to Guam, enabling connectivity to the U.S. mainland, the Asia Pacific region, Australia, and New Zealand via interconnects with existing and planned submarine cable systems.
“We are very confident in our choice of supplier. Xtera brings together a unique combination of latest, proven technologies and services into a cost-effective turnkey solution,” said Alan Seid, executive vice president of Palau Telecoms. “The Palau Telecoms system will be our country’s first optical submarine cable system. This new subsea link will deliver faster, more efficient, and cost-effective broadband Internet connectivity to our nation, while removing the current dependence on satellite and strengthening Palau’s competitive position as a business hub and tourist destination.”
Palau Telecoms is currently in discussions with the Government of Palau to invite the State of Yap, a fellow member of the Federated States of Micronesia, to consider connecting into this project. Palau is located east of the Philippines.
The Palau Telecoms cable system is planned for completion in mid-2015.
Xtera, which intends to make a name for itself as a turnkey infrastructure supplier, says it has been awarded a number of turnkey contracts in recent months, most recently with Ocean Networks for the South America Pacific Link system linking Manta, Ecuador to Oahu, HI (see “Ocean Networks taps Xtera SLTE for South America Pacific Link submarine network”).
For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.