Ocean Networks Advances Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link Project with Key Industry Partners

Ocean Networks, Inc. has announced significant progress in the development of Hawaii's inter-island fiber infrastructure through the selection of global cable solutions provider Prysmian and submarine cable engineering specialist IT International Telecom for the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link project. This collaboration represents a major milestone in creating open-access, carrier-neutral broadband infrastructure designed to dramatically improve high-speed internet access throughout the state. The HIFL project serves as a key component of Hawaii's Connect Kākou broadband initiative, aiming to deliver robust and resilient digital connectivity across the Hawaiian Islands.

Under the agreement, Prysmian will supply approximately 740 kilometers of state-of-the-art submarine cable, while IT will provide essential engineering and installation services for the system. David Blau, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Networks, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating that securing these contracts represents a major step forward in the construction timeline for the HIFL project. The project brings the state closer to fulfilling the promise of improved connectivity for all of Hawaii's residents, businesses, education institutions, and government entities.

Davide Taddei, Submarine Telecom Business Director at Prysmian, highlighted the significance of the project in today's interconnected world, noting that ensuring secure and resilient digital infrastructure is critical for communities. Prysmian's solutions are designed not only for performance and durability but also to support enhanced digital security and data integrity. The HIFL project represents a key step in delivering robust infrastructure in the Pacific region and builds on Prysmian's strong track record in challenging submarine environments worldwide.

Steve Arsenault, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at IT, expressed pride in the company's long history of successful project delivery within the Hawaiian Islands and emphasized the honor of contributing to strengthening Hawaii's inter-island telecommunications infrastructure once again. The HIFL system will feature 24 fiber pairs with a design life of 25 years and is expected to be ready for service in late 2026, connecting landing sites on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi.

The project receives partial funding from the U.S. Treasury Department's Capital Projects Fund, with the remaining costs covered by private funding secured by Ocean Networks. The University of Hawai'i System Office for Information Technology oversees the project with support from the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi. This infrastructure development addresses the critical need for improved digital connectivity in Hawaii, where geographical isolation has historically presented challenges for reliable high-speed internet access, particularly for rural and underserved communities across the islands.