Pacific

Wallis hooked up to internet cable

14:08 pm on 21 November 2017

Currently, Wallis and Futuna's internet is provided via satellite. Photo: RNZI / Vinnie Wylie

The French Pacific island of Wallis has been linked up to the submarine internet cable which connects Fiji and Samoa.

The French overseas ministry said the cable has been pulled ashore in a few days the cable will be extended to Futuna.

The ministry said once operational next year, the bandwidth from and to Wallis and Futuna will be 100,000 times bigger than what is available via satellite now.

It said the cable would open up new opportunities, allowing for telemedicine and long-distance education.

The project was in part funded by the European Union.