DILI (TOP) - Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão accompanied by members of the government has held the official launch of the commercial cable service Timor-Leste, Public Company, (CTL, E.P).
Government members who accompanied PM Xanana at the launch ceremony were Vice-Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator of Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuady Lay, Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, Minister of Foreign Investment and Planning (MPIE), Gastão Francisco de Sousa, Minister of Finance, Santina Cardoso and Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Caitlin Wilson.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão in his speech said, with great satisfaction to make the commercial launch of the Timor-Leste cable and start commercial operations through the Southern Submarine Cable System of Timor-Leste.
"Today is an important day for the development of our national telecommunications system. In June 2024, I am here in Bebonuk to mark the arrival of Timor-Leste's first submarine fiber optic cable. Today, we take another important step with the start of commercial cable operations of this national heritage from cable that provides Timor-Leste with a reliable Timor-Leste has access to greater international connectivity and lays the foundation for faster, more reliable and cheaper internet services," said PM Xanana during his speech at the launch ceremony on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The Head of Government said that the government will continue to offer to support the development of the Cabo Timor-Leste, E.P, playing a critical role in ensuring that the cape will function effectively, sustainably and to benefit the Timorese people.
“It is all about supporting resilient digital infrastructure with reliable connectivity that underpins economic growth, national security and public and private sector service delivery”.
Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay in his intervention said that modern digital infrastructure is very important to sustain economic growth, attract investment, improve public services and open new opportunities for business, education, health and innovation.
"Congratulations to all of us on this commercial launch ceremony to connect Timor-Leste to the world and the world to Timor-Leste. I as Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs feel honored and very happy through the leadership of Maun Bo'ot Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão with all the efforts of the Minister of Transport and Telecommunications and Vice Prime Minister," he said.
Moreover, President of the General Council of the current Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu said, the government has made a large investment in the Cabo Timor-Leste so he asked the public especially Timorese experts who are knowledgeable in the telecommunications and IT sector, not only those who work together in the government of Timor-Leste. how to proceed.
According to the message from the Prime Minister, today's opportunity brings advantages, but also brings challenges to Timor, because it takes new steps related to cyber security, related to cyber crime and all these things are underway.
The governor said, the Ministry of Transport and Communications will provide internet to government institutions, about internet to the population from telecommunications operators and ISP.
“As we have always mentioned, the capacity of the vocus cable is 27 terabytes, the capacity of the Timor-Leste cable is 13.5 terabytes, currently, the maximum capacity of the internet used in Timor is 40 gigabytes, which means that our internet reserves are very large. it depends on the market,” explained Minister Manetelu.
In 2012, the Government of Timor-Leste liberalized the telecommunications sector to allow other telecommunications operators to enter to compete with Timor Telecom (TT). From this liberalization decision, TELEMOR, TELKOMCEL and 20 ISPs eventually emerged.
“The Ministry of Transport and Communications will provide internet to government institutions to the municipalities and will also reach the posts when the wire is connected to the post and the villages that the wire passes through this is the responsibility of Minister of Transport and Communication.”
The tutelary ministry will continue to hold discussions with operators to ensure that the internet must be cheap for the population, with good speed and ANC continues to supervise telecommunications operators and ISPs under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
Finally, Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson considers Cabo Timor-Leste, E.P as a critical telecommunications infrastructure, this is a real investment in Timor-Leste's future, investing in economic growth, innovation, education opportunities, government jobs and opportunities for the private sector and future generations. Support a modern digital economy that connects Timor-Leste, both through e-services and e-commerce, closely to the region and the rest of the world.
“This will help overcome the experiences and difficulties to date of limited internet connectivity.”
