The government of Timor-Leste has started the commercial use of fiber optic communication services. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão stated that this will allow the country to significantly reduce its dependence on expensive and unreliable satellite and radio communications.
Advantages of the new infrastructure
According to Xanana Gusmão, Timor-Leste will also gain access to higher international bandwidth, as well as faster, more reliable, and more accessible internet.
In June 2024, the Government of Timor-Leste began installing an underwater fiber optic cable connecting the country with Darwin in Australia. This cable is 607 kilometers long and capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 27 terabits per second between the two nations.
Impact on the population's life
Xanana Gusmão emphasized that this underwater cable is becoming an important part of the national infrastructure created to serve the people of Timor. He noted that the cable's impact goes beyond simple internet access, affecting education, information access, markets, public services, employment, schools, healthcare, and business.
The Prime Minister stated that the success of this project will be measured by its ability to improve citizens' lives. He also stressed that the internet should help students and teachers gain better access to educational resources and digital learning.
Furthermore, Gusmão noted that medical workers will be able to communicate with specialists, exchange information, and provide higher quality services to residents living far from Dili. The head of government also stressed that the infrastructure should facilitate citizens' access to public services, reducing the time and expense spent traveling to government institutions.
He added that this will help farmers, cooperatives, and small businesses obtain information, find new clients, and participate more actively in the national, regional, and international economy. Additionally, he said it will allow family members living abroad to stay in touch with their relatives and homeland.
Ensuring Project Implementation
Xanana called on the state company Cabos Timor-Leste, telecommunications service providers, and government agencies to work together so that the benefits of this infrastructure reach the entire population. Three operators that will provide internet to the public are TT, Telemor, and Telecomcel, in addition to more than twenty other service providers.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications will be responsible for providing internet access to government institutions, ministries, public organizations, municipalities, administrative points, and villages.
