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ASN and OMS announced in December 2025 that the Tamtam Cable contract with Prima Ltd (Vanuatu) has officially entered into force as of 16 December 2025. The system’s Ready for Service (RFS) date is scheduled for end of 2027. The TamTam cable will be deployed as a SMART (Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications) cable.
The Tamtam Cable project will significantly strengthen Vanuatu’s digital infrastructure and resilience by:
- Providing a backup international connectivity route to New Caledonia
- Extending domestic fiber connectivity to Tanna, Norsup, and Luganville
- Collecting seismic, tsunami and oceanographic data, based on the ASN’s Climate Change (CC) monitoring solution integrating scientific sensors inside the CC Node.
This Climate Change solution for the Tamtam Cable system is combining telecommunications with real-time environmental and subsea monitoring to improve public safety and disaster preparedness in a region highly exposed to natural hazards.
Simon Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer of Prima, said: “This project is a major milestone for Vanuatu. It combines improved international resilience, broader domestic fiber access, and advanced monitoring capabilities that will contribute to both economic development and public safety.”
Alain Biston, Chief Executive Officer of ASN, added: “We are very excited to launch our second SMART* cable project worldwide, following CAM Atlantic Portugal. Vanuatu is particularly exposed to natural hazards, and we are proud that our CC technology, delivered in partnership with OMS, can help strengthen warning systems and protect communities.”
Ronnie Lim, Group Chief Executive Officer of OMS Group, said: “We are proud and committed to delivering future-ready subsea infrastructure to Vanuatu with ASN. The Tamtam cable contract marks another significant milestone in our commitment to advancing the SMART cable initiative, providing integrated solutions from design through to maintenance. This achievement reinforces our dedication to innovation and sustainability in subsea connectivity.”
The Government of Vanuatu has provided clarification on the Tamtam Submarine Cable project following public questions about ownership, transparency, and national security.
In a statement, the Government confirmed that changes in Interchange Limited (ICL) shareholding were recorded during the Council of Ministers (COM) meeting in November. Current ownership includes the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) with 300 shares, the Vanuatu Government with 300 shares (after acquiring an additional 200 shares), Vanuatu Post holding 100 shares, and Fidelity Pacific Life Insurance holding 100 shares. Officials said these changes confirm the Government’s involvement in the project and demonstrate confidence in the decision-making process.
The Government said the Tamtam Cable will strengthen Vanuatu’s digital infrastructure, improving connectivity and resilience across the islands. Officials also noted the potential for reduced internet costs for consumers over time.
National security remains a key priority. The Government said the cable will meet required security standards to protect all data. While acknowledging that cloud technology is not completely secure, guidance will continue to be sought to prevent breaches or cyberattacks similar to those experienced in 2022. COM has also reaffirmed that full ownership of both the cable and national data centres “must be with the Government.”
The Tamtam project is jointly funded by multiple partners, including the European Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the French Government, ensuring the Government does not bear the full cost. France has committed approximately €18 million (VT2.5 billion) to support the world’s first SMART (Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications) submarine cable, linking Vanuatu with Lifou Island in New Caledonia.
The TamTam cable, expected to be fully operational by 2027, will complement existing networks, including connections to Australia, Fiji, and other islands, while strengthening national communications resilience.
