Google to build subsea cables in Papua New Guinea under Australia defence treaty

Papua New Guinea said on Friday that Alphabet’s Google will build three subsea cables, funded by Australia under a mutual defence treaty, in a key upgrade to the digital backbone of the biggest Pacific Island nation.

Australian and U.S. military strategists view resource-rich but largely under-developed Papua New Guinea (PNG) as having a prized location north of Australia at a time when China is boosting its influence in the region.

The $120-million effort will link northern and southern Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville autonomous region with…