Cabinet has approved APUA’s plans to proceed with a US$7 million upgrade of its central telecommunications infrastructure.

The project is expected to be implemented over approximately three years, with an estimated US$4 million required during the first year.

It will include upgrades to the Central Office infrastructure, mobile switch, remote sites and associated core telecommunications systems.

Improvements will also be made to the Central Office’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system to provide adequate cooling and environmental controls for critical telecommunications equipment.

APUA said the wider programme will improve network coverage, capacity, reliability and overall service quality.

The upgrade has become increasingly urgent because parts of the existing hardware and software are expected to become obsolete and unsupported in 2027.

Cabinet authorised the Authority to proceed with the necessary arrangements, describing reliable telecommunications infrastructure as critical to the country’s economic and social development.

The Government said the investment would help ensure continued technical support and prepare the network to meet future demands.