By Matter Communications
The Federated States of Micronesia Telecommunications Corporation (FSMTC) and the Marshall Islands National Telecommunications Authority (MINTA), along with TE SubCom, an industry pioneer in undersea communications technology, today announced they have completed construction of FSMTC and MINTA Extensions to the HANTRU1 Cable System, which connects Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Guam in the western equatorial Pacific. The extensions will provide the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands with high bandwidth connectivity to the rest of the world via state-of-the-art undersea fiber optic links. Previously connectivity to these island nations was only available using satellite transmission.
“Completion of the FSMTC and MINTA Extensions is a momentous occasion,†said Tony Muller, President of MINTA. “The MINTA Extension will enable the Marshall Islands to connect to the global fiber optic network and break down the walls that previously isolated our nation and provide opportunities essential for national growth.â€
The one fiber pair extensions combined, with OADM branching units and a dedicated fiber pair on the HANTRU1 trunk, enable FSMTC and MINTA to have direct connectivity back to Guam. The dedicated Micronesian fiber pair has an ultimate capacity to transmit 16 10-Gigabit wavelengths. Because Guam is a regional node, FSMTC and MINTA have a variety of onward connectivity options.
HANTRU1 is owned by Hannon Armstrong Capital, LLC and operated by Truestone, LLC.
“The completion of this project is a result of much planning and collaboration,†said Takuro Akinaga, Chief Executive Officer of FSMTC. “We appreciate the dedication of all the parties that have been involved in this project over the last ten years and look forward to the immeasurable benefits the people of Federated States of Micronesia will enjoy on account of enhanced access to the rest of the world.â€
“TE SubCom was pleased to play a vital role in the construction of the FSMTC and MINTA Extensions to the HANTRU1 cable system, which will provide a crucial communications upgrade for the island nations,†said Jim Olson, Director Global System Sales, TE SubCom. “The advanced technology we deployed in the system will help foster growth in the region well into the future.â€
About FSMTC
FSM Telecommunications Corporation is a public corporation established under Title 21 of the Code of the Federated States of Micronesia, governed under the laws of the FSM. It was established to operate as the sole provider of all telecommunications services, except radio and television broadcasting, within the Federated States of Micronesia and between points in the Federated States of Micronesia and points outside thereof. FSMTC operates in accordance with the highest standards in all relationships with customers, suppliers, environment and the community. FSMTC’s vision is to provide the best possible modern, cost-effective telecommunications services by consistently satisfying the realistic expectations of our customers and stakeholders. FSMTC offers local fixed telephony, domestic inter-island and international calls, cellular, internet and television.
About MINTA
MINTA is a private corporation with significant ownership by the Republic of the Marshall Islands National Government. MINTA is the authorized provider of telecommunications services to the Republic of the Marshall Islands including local fixed line, mobile, domestic inter island, international, data and Internet.
About TE SubCom
Tyco Electronics Subsea Communications (TE SubCom) is an industry pioneer in undersea communications technology and marine services and a leading global supplier for today's undersea communications requirements.
Drawing on its heritage of technical innovation and industry recognized performance, the company delivers the most reliable, high-quality solutions to organizations with undersea communications needs vital to their core mission. In more than five decades of operation, TE SubCom has designed, manufactured, and installed more than 100 undersea fiber optic systems around the world. TE SubCom’s global presence, backed by industry leading research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities, installation and maintenance ships, depots, and management team work together to implement integrated solutions and network upgrades, with unsurpassed reliability, that support the needs of telecommunications, internet providers, offshore and science customers worldwide.
For more information visit www.subcom.com.