By ieyenews

Copyright ieyenews

Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – 15th September 2025, The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI) is moving forward with a major infrastructure project to modernize the Cayman Islands’ subsea cable systems, a vital step in ensuring the Islands remain connected, competitive, and resilient in an increasingly digital world.

Subsea cables are the backbone of global communications, carrying more than 95% of the world’s internet and data traffic. The Cayman Islands currently rely on ageing systems that require upgrading to keep pace with global standards, safeguard against disruption, and provide the connectivity that Cayman’s residents, businesses, and institutions need to thrive.

The modernization project will ensure the Islands have reliable, secure, and future-proof connectivity – essential for education, health care, finance, tourism, and innovation. It also strengthens Cayman’s resilience in the event of natural disasters or emergencies when reliable communication is most critical.

Minister Ebanks: “An investment in Cayman’s future”Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure, the Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, JP, MP, highlighted the national importance of the project, “Modern and resilient connectivity is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity for Cayman. This project is about much more than faster internet. It is about protecting our Islands in times of crisis, supporting our businesses, and ensuring that every Caymanian has access to opportunities in education, technology, and innovation. By modernizing our subsea cable infrastructure, we are investing directly in Cayman’s future prosperity and resilience.”

To illustrate the impact, the Minister added:“Whether it’s a student studying overseas, a small business owner trading online, or a family staying in touch with loved ones abroad – every Caymanian depends on strong and reliable connections. This project ensures that those connections are protected and strengthened for years to come.”

The Ministry continues to work closely with international industry partners and local stakeholders to advance the project. Once completed, the upgraded subsea cable will ensure the Cayman Islands remain globally connected, regionally competitive, and nationally secure.

Updates on the project’s progress will be shared with the public at each key milestone.

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FACT SHEET – Subsea Cable Modernization ProjectWhat exactly is a subsea cable and why does Cayman need a new one?A subsea cable is a fibre-optic line laid on the seabed that carries almost all of the world’s internet and data traffic. Cayman’s current systems are ageing. Without modernisation, we risk slower speeds, service interruptions, and falling behind other countries. A new subsea cable will ensure Caymanians have reliable and secure connections to the rest of the world.

How will this project improve everyday life for Cayman residents?This is about more than technology – it’s about people. Students will have the opportunity for smoother access to online classes, families to more reliable video calls with loved ones overseas, and businesses to run faster and more efficiently. Everyone from schoolchildren to retirees will have access to stronger, more dependable service.

Why is this important for Cayman’s economy and jobs?Modern digital infrastructure is the foundation of today’s economy. For Cayman, this means ensuring we remain as world class business location, keeping our financial services and tourism sectors competitive, while also creating opportunities in new industries like technology and the creative sector. Small business owners will be able to sell to the world with the same confidence as mainland competitors, and young Caymanians will have more chances to find work in high-skill, future-ready jobs

What about resilience during hurricanes or emergencies?Strong connectivity can make the difference between being isolated and staying informed in a crisis. The new subsea cable provides backup capacity and redundancy, so Cayman won’t be cut off digitally during storms or regional outages. It ensures emergency services, families, and businesses stay connected when it matters most.

Will Caymanians see lower internet costs?Prices are set by service providers, but the project increases capacity and has the potential to increase competition, creating the opportunity for consumers to get better value for money. Most importantly, the project leads the way to improved speeds, quality, and reliability in their internet service – benefits that touch every household and business

How does this prepare Cayman for the future?Demand for data will only grow – with artificial intelligence, fintech, online education, and even everyday services like smart homes and telehealth. The new subsea cable future-proofs Cayman, so our people won’t just keep up but can lead in the region. It’s an investment in opportunities for today’s students, tomorrow’s workers, and the generations to come