Japan, the US, and Australia have come together to sign a $95 million agreement on an undersea cable project that will connect East Micronesian island nations for improving networks in the Indo-Pacific region. The announcement follows just over two weeks after the Quad, a security alliance of Japan, the US, Australia, and India, emphasized the importance of undersea cables as a critical component of communications infrastructure and the foundation for internet connectivity. The cable, whose width is about that of a garden hose, will connect Kosrae, Tarawa, and Nauru to the existing cable landing point in Micronesia, with completion set for around 2025. The joint effort will counter Beijing’s attempts at expanding its security and economic influence in the region and will bring more reliable and secure communications for the residents, businesses, and governments in the area. The project will connect over 100,000 people across the three Pacific countries.