An undersea fibre optic cable linking New Caledonia and Sydney is to be put into service today [ MON ] with a promise of massively cheaper internet rates.
The 2,200 kilometre cable was laid in a venture between New Caledonia's postal service and Alcatel Submarine Network at a cost of more than 120 million US dollars.
The New Caledonian president, Harold Martin, says the launch of the cable marks a great event for telecommunications and for New Caledonia.
He says before the end of the year a budget internet service will be launched as part of government efforts to lower the cost of living.
Plans are also afoot to link New Caledonia with French Polynesia.