East Micronesia Cable Lands in Kosrae, FSM – Final Step Towards Enhanced Pacific Connectivity
CEO of FSM Telecommunication Cable Corporation Mr Gordon Segal, NEC official and Governor of Kosrae State, Tulensa W. Palik with ceremonial buoy after landing.
Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia 1 Sept 2025 – The East Micronesia Cable has successfully landed in Kosrae, marking the final connection point in a landmark regional telecommunications initiative. Following earlier landings in Kiribati and Nauru, the cable is now on track to become operational by November 2025.
The landing, completed on 16 August by the cable lay ship Normand Clipper, was commemorated with a ceremonial event featuring the formal handover of the Cable Ceremonial Buoy. Dignitaries in attendance included FSM Vice President Hon. Aren B. Palik, Kosrae Governor Tulensa W. Palik, FSM Congress Senators, and senior representatives from the national and state governments, alongside officials from Australia, Japan and the United States – the project’s funding partners.
Fully grant-funded to the value of AUD135 million, the 2,250-kilometre undersea cable will connect Tarawa (Kiribati), Nauru and Kosrae to the existing HANTRU-1 cable landing point in Pohnpei, FSM. The project will deliver faster, more reliable and affordable internet to over 100,000 people across the three Pacific nations, improving access to services, digital government platforms, and global markets.
Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires to FSM, Ms Sarah McCarthy, said: “The East Micronesia Cable will play a vital role in securing FSM’s digital future. Australia is proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners and invest in infrastructure that reflects the priorities of Pacific communities.”
The cable will also enhance climate resilience by supporting disaster preparedness and reducing the risk of service outages during extreme weather events.
Cable inside Normand Clipper ready for landing in Kosrae
Cable being brought to shore in Kosrae