Telecommunications provider Hawaiian Telcom has partnered with the Navy Region Hawaii for a new fiber project on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
In a joint release, the companies said the project “has exponentially strengthened the reliability of Hawaii’s communications” and has enabled Telcom to “directly link West Oahu and Metro Oahu utilizing a route that runs through Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.” It was completed earlier this year, according to the release.
The companies did not disclose the exact cost but noted that it was a multi-million dollar project.
“Hawaii’s unique location in the middle of the Pacific makes reliable connectivity essential for all who live and work here. Additional fiber connectivity helps ensure access to essential services, public safety resources, healthcare, education and commerce,” said Gov. Josh Green in a statement. “We appreciate the collaboration between Hawaiian Telcom and the Navy Region Hawaii as strong partners that are looking ahead to future-proof the needs of Hawaii’s residents and businesses.”
“The need for higher-speed data transmission to support defense, government, commercial and residential demands is fueling the expansion of fiber-optic networks nationwide,” said U.S. Congressman Ed Case in a statement. “This historic project provides massive capacity to support Hawaii’s growing strategic position in the Pacific region.”
According to Hawaiian Telcom, the new fiber route has been “placed deep underground to protect it from disruptions.”
“Integrating this advanced, high-density fiber route advances our goal to continue diversifying our network and fortifying our infrastructure to meet the growing digital demands of our local businesses and communities,” stated Hawaiian Telcom President Su Shin. “This forward-thinking investment is another example of Hawaiian Telcom’s unwavering commitment to keep Hawaii connected to the world as we have for more than 140 years.”
This marks the latest development in Hawaiian Telcom’s effort to expand its fiber footprint. According to the company, it has invested more than $1 billion to grow and support its network since 2010. That total included more than $223 million in 2023, as previously reported by Pacific Business News.
The company said it is also working on an $87 million fiber broadband project to expand infrastructure and increase reliability.
