The Manatua One Polynesia submarine cable has been successfully brought ashore to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.
The first cable buoy reaching land in Rutaki, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Photo: Cook Islands government
The 3600km long fibre-optic cable is to connect Rarotonga and Aitutaki with Niue, Apia in Samoa, and Tahiti and Bora Bora in French Polynesia.
Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister Mark Brown oversaw celebrations to mark the landing of the cable in Rarotonga.
He acknowledged the support of New Zealand government, the Asian Development Bank, the Aronga Mana and landowners.
Mr Brown described the cable as critical to many aspects of the Cook Islands' future plans, including in education, health and innovation.
The cable is scheduled to come online in May.