On June 24th, 2024, the “Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable” (TLSSC) landed at the Cable Landing Station in Bebonuk, Dili. This groundbreaking project connects Timor-Leste to Darwin, Australia, marking a pivotal step in the nation’s digital transformation and showcasing its commitment to infrastructure development and modernization.
The TLSSC is a significant advancement for Timor-Leste, an island nation situated in Southeast Asia, northeast of Australia, with a population of approximately 1.3 million people. Since liberalizing its telecommunications sector in 2012, Timor-Leste has seen increased mobile service coverage across all municipal towns, reaching 96% of the population by 2015. Despite these strides, the country has relied on costly satellites for international connectivity. The government recognized these limitations and decided in 2016 to invest in an international optic fiber cable system to enhance connectivity and support economic growth.
At a press event, Prime Minister Gusmão highlighted the TLSSC’s role in stimulating economic activities, promoting diversification, and creating job opportunities. The fiber optic cable, capable of transferring data at 27 terabits per second, is a significant upgrade from the current 20-30 Gbps usage. With a length of 607 km, including seven repeaters and a dedicated Greater Sunrise Branch Unit, the cable ensures fast and secure internet connections to major hubs like Darwin, Sydney, and Los Angeles. The project was realized through the collaboration of Alcatel Submarine Networks, Vocus, and the Australian Government, with Australia’s Ambassador Caitlin Wilson and ASN’s Vice President Marc Genot lauding the initiative’s future benefits for the Timorese population.
Key Points:
• Historic Launch: TLSSC connects Timor-Leste to Darwin, Australia, marking a major step in the nation’s digital transformation.
• Significant Upgrade: The cable can transfer data at 27 Tbps, vastly improving upon current satellite-based international connectivity.
• Economic Impact: The TLSSC is expected to stimulate economic growth, job creation, and industry diversification in Timor-Leste.
• Collaborative Effort: The project involved key contributions from Alcatel Submarine Networks, Vocus, and the Australian Government, emphasizing international cooperation.
