Hawaiki Cable nearly ready for installation

1 min readUpdated May 17, 2025Sep 26, 201712:27 AM

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The companies behind the planned Hawaiki transpacific cable connecting Australia and New Zealand with the US have revealed that installation of the cable is due to commence next month.

Hawaiki Submarine Cable and cable supplier TE Connectivity said the 14,000km of subsea cable are in the final stages of being loaded onto two cable laying vessels.

All installation permits for the planned landings in Australia, New Zealand and the US have meanwhile been secured, and the system remains on track for completion in mid-2018.

Once complete, the Hawaiki Cable will link the three nations via Hawaii and American Samoa, with options to expand to multiple south Pacific islands such as Fiji and Tonga. It will be the highest cross-sectional capacity link between the US and Australia and New Zealand.

“The coming months will see the realization of our vision for Hawaiki, a system that will impact the capabilities and economies of hundreds of Pacific communities,” Hawaiki Submarine Cable CEO Remi Galasso said.

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What this means

The Hawaiki cable's imminent deployment significantly upgrades critical digital infrastructure across the Pacific. This move directly challenges existing providers by offering superior capacity between key markets, a strategic play that could drive down wholesale data costs and accelerate digital transformation. Unlike focused retail expansions by Panpuri in China or Tiffany & Co. In Singapore, Hawaiki addresses foundational connectivity, which underpins all digital commerce. This broadens access and potential for businesses in the region, particularly those looking to scale online. The immediate impact will be felt in Australia and New Zealand, but the critical point to watch next is the take-up of its south Pacific island expansion options post-mid-2018 completion.

Rajiv Menon · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

Which companies are involved in the Hawaiki cable project?

Hawaiki Submarine Cable is the company behind the project, working with TE Connectivity as the cable supplier. Together, they are overseeing the final preparations for installation of the subsea cable.

What is the timeline for the Hawaiki Cable's installation and completion?

Installation of the 14,000km subsea cable is scheduled to begin next month. The entire system is expected to be fully completed and operational by mid-2018, as planned.

What will be the primary connection points for the Hawaiki Cable?

The cable will directly link Australia and New Zealand with the United States. It will achieve this by connecting via Hawaii and American Samoa, with future expansion options to other Pacific islands.

What unique capability will the Hawaiki Cable offer once finished?

Upon completion, the Hawaiki Cable will provide the highest cross-sectional capacity link between the US, Australia, and New Zealand. This will significantly enhance connectivity for these regions.

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