Ocean Networks, Inc. has reached a major milestone in its mission to deliver next-generation connectivity across Hawaiʻi. The company recently announced the selection of Prysmian, a global leader in cable solutions, and International Telecom Inc. (IT), a subsea cable engineering and installation specialist, to advance the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link (HIFL) project. This partnership marks a significant step forward in establishing a robust digital backbone that will benefit residents, businesses, schools, and government institutions across the islands.

Closing the Digital Divide with Connect Kākou

The HIFL project is part of the State of Hawaiʻi’s Connect Kākou broadband initiative, which was launched to close the state’s digital divide and provide equitable access to affordable, high-speed internet. Hawaiʻi’s geography poses unique challenges when it comes to connectivity, with multiple islands separated by significant ocean distances. For many communities, particularly those located on the neighbor islands, access to reliable broadband has historically lagged behind national standards.

The HIFL system addresses this issue by providing a carrier-neutral, open-access submarine cable that will interconnect Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi. With its low-latency design and 24 fiber pairs, the system will ensure faster and more dependable internet services. Built with a design life of 25 years, HIFL is not only a solution for today but a foundation for the future.

Trusted Partners with Global Expertise

Ocean Networks’ decision to partner with Prysmian and IT International Telecom underscores the importance of leveraging global expertise for a project of this scale. Prysmian will provide approximately 740 kilometers of advanced submarine cable, designed for performance, durability, and long-term resiliency. With more than 33,000 employees, over €17 billion in revenues, and a presence in over 50 countries, Prysmian has a proven record of delivering solutions that stand up to the most demanding environments.

Meanwhile, IT International Telecom brings decades of hands-on experience in submarine cable route surveys, engineering, and installation. The company has successfully executed multiple projects in the Pacific, including in Hawaiʻi, and is known for its ability to deliver complex systems on time and within budget. Their local experience is invaluable, ensuring that the HIFL system is built with a deep understanding of Hawaiʻi’s unique marine and environmental conditions.

David Blau, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Networks, reflected on the importance of these partnerships: “Securing these contracts represents a major step forward in the construction timeline for the HIFL project, bringing us closer to fulfilling the promise of improved connectivity for all of Hawaiʻi’s residents, businesses, education, and government entities.”

A Foundation for Education, Business, and Innovation

Reliable connectivity has become a prerequisite for participation in modern life. For Hawaiʻi’s students, HIFL means improved access to digital learning tools, virtual classrooms, and global educational resources. For local businesses, it creates new opportunities to expand into digital marketplaces, leverage cloud computing, and connect more effectively with customers worldwide. Government agencies and healthcare providers will also benefit, with the ability to offer more efficient digital services, telehealth solutions, and secure communication platforms.

In addition, the system is expected to boost economic growth by attracting investment from technology companies seeking reliable digital infrastructure in the Pacific region. By laying the groundwork for high-speed, secure, and resilient connectivity, HIFL positions Hawaiʻi as a digital hub in the Pacific and strengthens the state’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Looking Ahead

Scheduled to be operational in late 2026, the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link will mark a transformative shift in how Hawaiʻi connects, communicates, and competes in the digital age. Backed by support from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Capital Projects Fund and private investment, the project represents a blend of public commitment and private innovation.

Ocean Networks will oversee the supply, construction, operations, and ongoing maintenance of the system, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of Hawaiʻi for decades to come. By investing in this critical infrastructure, Ocean Networks and its partners are not only laying cables beneath the ocean floor, they are also creating an advanced and equitable digital landscape for the state of Hawaiʻi.