The waves of information and communications technology (ICT) development in the Pacific subregion are so enormous that they cannot be ignored. A decade ago, no one could have imagined the rapid ICT progress and changes experienced today in the Pacific subregion. No one would have thought that it was possible for Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and even Yap and Palau to be connected by submarine cables. What’s more, plans are underway to connect the small and remote islands of Tokelau and Tuvalu to submarine cables.

The Government of Bangladesh announced the opening of a second submarine cable and landing station in an effort to provide greater connectivity and faster internet. The project was launched by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The new landing station in Kalapara Upazila will receive 1,500 Gbps of Internet bandwidth from the Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe International Consortium (SEA-ME-WE-5) Submarine Cable which connects 19 countries.