📋 Tender Overview
The Asian Development Bank ADB joined the BwebwerikiNET Ltd BNL and the Government of Kiribati to celebrate the landing of a fiber optic cable which brings high-speed broadband one step closer for the Pacific nation. The event was witnessed by Kiribati President Taneti Mamau while Minister for Information Communication Transport and Tourism Development Tekeeua Tarati delivered the keynote address. Prerecorded speeches were delivered by ADB Director General for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez and Southern Cross Cables Limited Chief Executive Officer Laurie Miller.The Improving Internet Connectivity for Micronesia Project supported by ADB helped install a submarine cable connection between Kiritimati Island to a transpacific cable system connecting Australia New Zealand and Hawaii to gain access to faster more affordable internet.Kiribati recognizes the significant impact access to high-speed and high-quality internet has on the development of a nation said Mr. Tarati. This enormous potential for socioeconomic development cannot be underestimated especially when it is harnessed in both private and public sectors. Information and communication technology ICT is needed to grow the health education agriculture tourism governance and finance sectors as well as improve disaster management and address climate change.ADB provided a 21.6 million grant to Kiribati to help finance the Kiritimati cable component of the project. The high-speed internet services are expected to be officially launched by the government in July 2022.Supporting inclusive growth and investment in ICT are key focus areas of ADBs Pacific Approach which guides ADBs operational focus in the region said Ms. Gutierrez. The project will deliver affordable accessible ICT services which will reduce costs for businesses governments and households.ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous inclusive resilient and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966 it is owned by 68 members49 from the region.
