Ocean Networks to Conduct RCUH Submarine Optical Fiber Study

The Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) and Ocean Networks announced the award of its RFP for Cable Landing Station (CLS) Site Surveys to Ocean Networks Inc (ONI). The work includes identifying potential beach manholes and landing points on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, as well as potential cable landing stations. At minimum, two sites on each of the four islands will be identified to ensure redundancy. Work also will identify potential locations on Lanai and Molokai.

The study will identify suitable landing sites, landing stations, the safest submarine cable routing and the required cable specifications to build a new inter-island fiber-optic network for the Hawaiian Islands.

University of Hawaii VPIT & CIO Garret Yoshimi said, “The Ocean Networks team has significant industry experience and specifically working in the Hawaiian Islands. The planned inter-island cable system will leverage the generational federal investment in human and technological infrastructure, to support Hawaii’s broadband initiative and position the Hawaiian Islands for long-term economic growth. The resulting network will be carrier-neutral, and sufficiently robust to support all manner of telecommunications carrier and enterprise traffic, including anticipated future high-capacity demands supporting healthcare, education, research, public service, commerce and government uses.”