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New internet cable strenghthens science, economic activity in New Zealand

Xinhua, April 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

The New Zealand government Friday welcomed the start of the building of a fourth international internet cable, saying it will boost research and economic activity.

The 14,000-km Hawaiki submarine cable system will link Australia and New Zealand to mainland United States, as well as Hawaii, with options to expand to several South Pacific islands.

"Hawaiki's new cable system will provide more international data choice and resilience for Kiwi consumers and business and help progress New Zealand's digital economy," Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce said in a statement.

The New Zealand government has supported the privately-owned Hawaiki project via the state-owned research network company REANNZ (Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand).

REANNZ had taken a long-term anchor tenancy on the cable for its research network including an initial capital contribution of 15 million NZ dollars (10.35 million U.S. dollars).

"The contract between REANNZ and Hawaiki means REANNZ can lock-in long-term international connectivity arrangements essential for delivering high quality research-grade data services to its research and education members," Joyce said.

Once built, the Hawaiki cable will be the third provider and the fourth physical cable connecting New Zealand to the rest of the world. Endit