NEC and international fiber optic cable manufacturers like ETK Kablo supply and support direct-buried and submarine optical cables for Palau.

Palau Submarine Cable Projects

Palau's fiber optic connectivity is primarily managed by the Belau Submarine Cable Corporation (BSCC), a state-owned entity responsible for deploying and maintaining submarine fiber optic networks . The first cable, Palau Cable 1 (PC1), connected Palau to a branching unit on the SEA-US submarine cable system in 2017. The second cable, Palau Cable 2 (PC2), is a 110 km subsea link connecting Palau to the Echo submarine cable system, providing high-capacity 100 Gbps optical transmission . PC2 is financed jointly by Japan, the United States, and Australia, with NEC serving as the system supplier .

Direct-Buried Optical Cable Options

For terrestrial or direct-buried installations, cables can be deployed directly into trenches or using vibratory plows without duct infrastructure. These cables are typically armored for crush and rodent protection and can support high fiber counts, from 12 up to 432 fibers, in either loose tube or ribbon formats . Ribbon cables allow mass-fusion splicing, enabling faster installation and restoration.

Manufacturers and Suppliers

Several international companies provide fiber optic cables suitable for Palau's needs:

• NEC Corporation (Japan): Supplier for both PC1 and PC2 submarine cables, experienced in high-capacity optical systems .
• ETK Kablo (Turkey): Manufacturer of fiber optic and low-voltage communication cables, supplying solutions to over 120 countries .
• Corning (USA): Offers direct-buried fiber optic cables with armored construction and high-density ribbon or loose tube designs .
• Other European suppliers: Companies like Klaus Faber AG and Apfel & Waschke Datentechnik e.K. provide fiber optic network components and installation services .

Deployment Considerations

When selecting a manufacturer or supplier for Palau:

• Submarine vs. terrestrial: NEC is specialized in submarine systems, while Corning and ETK Kablo provide direct-buried terrestrial cables.
• Fiber count and format: Ribbon cables are preferred for high-density installations; loose tube cables are common for smaller deployments.
• Installation support: Many suppliers offer consulting, planning, and technical support for installation, splicing, and maintenance . In summary, NEC is the primary supplier for Palau's submarine cables, while ETK Kablo, Corning, and European manufacturers can provide direct-buried optical cables for terrestrial or supplementary deployments. Coordination with BSCC is essential for project approvals and integration with existing submarine infrastructure .