Timor-Leste plans telecoms towers linking Dili with Oekusi and Atauro
The transport and communications minister says the towers are a short-term measure while submarine cable discussions with Indonesia continue.
Timor-Leste plans to build two telecommunications towers in Dili, with one providing a link to Oekusi and the other to Atauro, Transport and Communications Minister Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu said. The ministry plans to sign a construction contract to help improve internet access.
Speaking recently at Oekusi airport, Manetelu said residents faced serious difficulties using the internet and making calls through Telemor, Telkomsel and Timor Telekom. He described the towers as a short-term measure while Kabu Submariñu Timor-Leste, E.P remained in discussions with Indonesia over a submarine cable.
Régio da Cruz Salu, president of the Oekusi Ambeno Special Administrative Region authority, welcomed the plan. He said it needed to be implemented to address residents’ concerns, with telecommunications and internet access particularly difficult in five or six locations.
Areas experiencing connectivity problems include Bene-Ufe in Nítibe; Usitasa’e and Bobometo in Oésilo; Abani and Malelat in Pássabe; and Bobokase and Taiboko in Pante Makasar.
