Singapore's Vocus undertook the construction of the Solomon Islands submarine cable system

Singapore-based Vocus has been awarded a $137 million contract by the Australian government to build an undersea cable system
connecting Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said: "The $136.
6 million contract awarded to partner Vocus is an important milestone and marks the commencement
of the practical installation of the Coral Sea submarine cable system.
Australia will provide most of the funding needed for the system, with Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands providing the rest
.
”

Vocus said construction of the Coral Sea cable system, which is expected to be completed by the end of next year, will now begin a comprehensive survey, manufacturing and deployment program
.

Vocus Telecom also plans to build a domestic submarine cable network in the Solomon Islands to connect the main islands
of the Solomon Islands.

"We are delighted to be able to solidify our close relationship with the federal government and represent them on this critical infrastructure project," said
Kevin Russell, CEO of Vocus.
"Our recent experience in building world-class domestic fibre infrastructure, including the North-West cable system and the Australia-Singapore cable, means Vocus is ideally suited to work with the federal government on this important project
.
"

Australian Prime Minister Turnbull confirmed in April that an undersea cable would be built, saying the federal government would provide "most" of the funding for the project, which would also land
in Port Moresby.

"Today, we are delivering on our commitment
to providing high-speed submarine telecommunications cables between Australia and the Solomon Islands," Turnbull said.
This joint project will be the first for Solomon Islands to wean itself off satellite communications
.
”

The project will enable Solomon Islands to improve security and boost economic growth, but increased connectivity for Pacific island countries will expose them to additional cybersecurity risks
.

Vocus signed an agreement with Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in January to design, build and procure the Australia-Papua New Guinea-Solomon Islands submarine cable
.
According to the tender documents, the agreement with Vocus is valued at $
2.
8 million.

Vocus has said the three-month scoping study will involve consultations with the governments of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, gathering detailed requirements, conducting a desk survey and starting a permit application
.

It is reported that the submarine cable system was originally planned to be built by China's Huawei, but Australia vetoed the agreement
due to security concerns and concerns about China's growing influence in the Pacific.