Named Optikor, the cable is planned to land in Waiuku, north ofAuckland and is expected to cost around $200 million.

The company has been looking for anchor tenants to assist withfinancing the cable. The SOE is also hopeful that $15 million, whichwas set aside by the previous government for internationalconnectivity, will also be available.

The Optikor cable is planned to connect to PIPE Network’s Sydneylanding station. PIPE has stated that it will not be funding the NewZealand extension.

The government has mentioned the importance of internationalconnectivity in relation to improving the country’s internet resiliencyand performance, but it has not committed to investing money into acable project.

While Southern Cross continues to upgrade its network,it has hinted that it may replace its existing trans-Tasman cable.Meanwhile, the SPIN cable appears to be on track to connect to Aucklandby 2011. SPIN will be announcing its New Zealand partner soon.