The Asian Development Bank has signed an agreement to help deliver high-speed internet to Nauru through a submarine cable project.
The agreements were signed by ADB Vice-President Stephen Groff, Finance and Finance Minister of Nauru David Adeang ahead of ADB’s 51st Annual Meeting in Manila, Philippines this week.
“The cable projects will boost the connectivity of these Pacific countries to the rest of the world,” said Mr. Groff. “Faster and more affordable internet will improve peoples’ access to economic and social development opportunities.”
A statement said ADB is providing a $15 million grant for Nauru to help fund the delivery of internet services in Tarawa and Kiritimati Island in Kiribati and Nauru through the installation of submarine cables. The cables will provide faster and better internet quality than satellite dishes, reducing costs for businesses, governments, and households. The initiative is partly cofinanced by the World Bank.
Supporting inclusive growth and investment in information and communications technology are key focus areas of ADB’s Pacific Approach, which guides ADB’s operational focus in the subregion.
An agreement was also signed between ADB and Kiribati for the delivery of high-speed internet to the island nation.
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