THE first major project milestone for the Tiwi Islands fibre optic connection to Darwin is complete.

Territory taxpayers have funded $8.5 million to establish the 46km undersea fibre optic cable to the islands, in partnership with Vocus Communications .

It is the first major step in giving Tiwi Islanders access to reliable, future-proofed and weather-resistant telecommunications infrastructure for the first time – meaning more economic opportunity and better health and education services on the islands.

A marine survey has now been undertaken, and is the first – and most critical – stage of subsea network construction . Technical data from the survey will inform the manufacture and precise placement of the cable on the sea floor and identify and minimise any environmental impacts of the installation.

Corporate and Information Services Minister Lauren Moss said: “Territorians, no matter where they live, deserve to have the same access to reliable and effective telecommunications services as other Australians.”

The project is due to be completed by the end of 2019 and is on time and to budget.