NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) has entered into an agreement with FSM Telecommunications Cable Corporation (FSMTCC), BwebwerikiNet Limited (BNL) of the Republic of Kiribati, and Nauru Fibre Cable Corporation (NFCC) of the Republic of Nauru to construct, supply and install the East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), an optical fiber submarine cable system. The EMCS will connect four islands in FSM (Pohnpei and Kosrae), Kiribati (Tarawa) and Nauru with a high-capacity optical fiber submarine cable, spanning approximately 2,250km. This marks the first submarine cable connection for the islands of Tarawa (Kiribati), Nauru and the state of Kosrae (FSM).
EMCS is a project that aims to provide fast, high-quality, reliable and secure communication services to residents, businesses and governments in the region. This will contribute to improved digital connectivity and economic development.
The project is supported by the governments of Australia, Japan and the United States and will be implemented with grant funding from these countries.
The CEO of FSMTCC and Chairman of the EMCS Management Committee, Gordon Segal, stated that the project will provide equal access to digital connectivity across all four states of FSM and greatly enhance their ability to access information and essential services. The project partners are thanked for their support and collaboration. Kosrae is the only state in FSM without a submarine cable connection, and this project will address that issue.
Meanwhile, Ioane Koroivuki, the CEO of BNL, expressed his pleasure in recognizing the significance of the occasion for Kiribati and the Micronesian region. BNL is excited to work with their EMCS partners, NEC Corporation and friends of the Pacific to bring this project to fruition.
Additionally, Jay Udit, the acting CEO of NFCC and Secretary for Justice and Border Control for the Government of Nauru, stated that the proposed submarine cable is the first of its kind for Nauru and is crucial for the future of their communication system. He is thrilled to partner with NEC, donor agencies and two Micronesian countries, FSM and Kiribati, to complete the project.
Furthermore, Atsushi Kuwahara, the Managing Director of the Submarine Network Division at NEC Corporation, expressed his honor in using their experience in optical submarine cable technology to contribute to the access of information and communication for residents, businesses and governments of Pacific Island countries, as internet connectivity and access to digital technologies increasingly affect economic and social development.
For over 50 years, NEC has been a top provider of submarine cable systems. They have constructed over 400,000 km of cable, which could circle the earth almost 10 times. NEC is a trusted partner in the submarine cable industry, offering comprehensive services such as manufacturing and installing optical submarine cables and repeaters, conducting ocean surveys and route designs, and providing training and delivery testing. Additionally, NEC's subsidiary, OCC Corporation, produces optical submarine cables that can endure water pressures at depths exceeding 8,000 meters.