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LEO satellite research launched at PITA conference – Read more
The Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC) launched its research report, Low Earth orbit satellites in the Pacific: Opportunities, risks, and governance for resilient connectivity, at the 30th Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) AGM, Business Forum and Expo. Held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, from the 13 – 17 April 2026, PITA is a key regional platform for Pacific connectivity discussions, bringing together governments, regulators, industry, development partners and more. The Australian Government is pleased to be a member of PITA and attend the AGM each year, supporting regional knowledge sharing and strengthening links between governments and industry. CCRC’s research launched at the conference explores how LEO satellites can be most effectively integrated alongside submarine fibre cables. Key findings of the report are that subsea telecommunications cables remain the backbone of high-capacity connectivity across the Pacific, providing the lowest total cost of ownership over the long-term to meet growing demand, with LEO satellite systems a very important complementary layer - extending coverage, strengthening redundancy and improving resilience, particularly for remote areas and outer island communities, and during disasters or connectivity outages. CCRC was pleased to collaborate with the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC), Network Strategies, Hibbard Consulting and McCann Consulting International to deliver a workshop for regulators and industry representatives. CCRC shared recent research findings, while Network Strategies presented a case study from Tonga examining the impact of LEO satellite services on local operators and outlining recommended regulatory measures to strengthen domestic competitiveness. These insights supported a robust discussion on the governance and management of LEO satellite systems in the Pacific. Participants underscored the need for coordinated policy and regulatory approaches to support emerging hybrid connectivity models as technologies continue to evolve. We thank PTC and PITA for their collaboration and partnership in delivering this workshop.Through its participation at PITA, the CCRC welcomed the opportunity to connect with key regional partners and work together to strengthen connectivity and resilience in Pacific islands countries. Click here for the full report.
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Australia hosts Indonesian delegation to strengthen subsea cable cooperation – Read more
The Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC) hosted a study tour for officials from the Government of Indonesia’s National Team for the Management of Subsea Pipelines and/or Cables. The visit brought together Australian Government agencies to share views on end-to-end subsea telecommunications cable governance, including permitting, protection and resilience. Discussions covered planning, installation, operation and repair, coordination across government, critical infrastructure risk mitigation and incident response. Delegates also met with private sector operators to better understand their decision making and explore how government and industry work together to support secure and reliable connectivity.The study tour supported Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to streamline its permitting processes, enhance transparency and strengthen cable protection settings, consistent with international best practice. It also advanced discussions on the viability of new fibre optic subsea cable links between Australia and Indonesia.The CCRC looks forward to continuing its partnership with Indonesia’s National Team to enhance digital connectivity between Australia and Indonesia.
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Talanoa in Tonga to safeguard subsea cable connectivity – Read more
The Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC) travelled to Tonga in February 2026 to participate in a Talanoa supporting the development of a regulatory framework to safeguard Tonga’s subsea telecommunications cables and ensure reliable connectivity for communities, businesses, and government.The Talanoa was held in partnership with the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, and brought together representatives from across the Tongan Government, cable operators, and ocean management agencies.Discussions focused on local perspectives on risks to Tonga’s subsea cable infrastructure and explored practical and legislative measures to establish cable protection zones and supporting regulations. Participants also considered how such a framework could align with Tonga’s broader ocean management priorities while reflecting international best practice.Insights from the Talanoa will inform the development of policy, legislative, and regulatory arrangements for cable protection, in collaboration with the relevant government agencies and community groups.The CCRC looks forward to continuing its partnership with Tonga to advance these priorities and support resilient digital connectivity across the Pacific.
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Philippines progresses subsea cable protection – Read more
A workshop in the Philippines has marked a significant milestone in regulatory reform for subsea telecommunications cables and set the stage for the next phase of work. Hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC) in November 2025, the workshop looked at proposed reforms to strengthen the protection of the Philippines’ subsea telecommunications cables and simplify permitting processes for the installation and repair of cables to support the country’s growing connectivity needs. These proposed reforms build on analysis conducted through the Australian Government’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) program, which examined the Philippines’ subsea cable ecosystem, regulatory environment, and future market potential. Over the past year, CCRC has worked with DICT on guidance to implement a framework for the management and protection of subsea telecommunication cables in the Philippines. The DICT has progressed a regulatory pathway for submarine cable management, shared key analysis with the Office of the President, and initiated steps to establish a dedicated sub-committee on submarine cables within the National Maritime Council. Through this work, internal capacity across DICT has been strengthened, with staff now better equipped to implement and advocate for reforms across government. This work has helped position the Philippines as a regional leader on subsea cable resilience, aligning closely with ASEAN’s digital connectivity agenda as the country prepares to assume the ASEAN Chair in January 2026.The workshop marks another step in strengthening collaboration between Australia and the Philippines to enhance digital connectivity, resilience, and economic opportunity through well-coordinated infrastructure policy reform.
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