Prima: Proud to be 100% owned and operated by citizens
of Vanuatu, with a deep commitment to the advancement of Melanesia and the wider Oceania community.
Established in January 2014, Prima is a telecommunications and data infrastructure firm based in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Prima offers a high level of experience and expertise in many aspects of IT, with operations spanning satellite teleports, international subsea fibre optic cables systems, terrestrial fibre networks and data centres. We work closely and collaboratively with other go-ahead local technology companies such as Interchange Limited, Alcatel Submarine Networks, OPT NC and Pacific Peering to ensure the best possible outcomes for all the people of Melanesia.
Today, Prima is responsible for maintenance and operations of the ‘ICN1’ subsea cable system connecting Vanuatu to Fiji; we have also recently the signed a contract for the world’s first SMART cable system linking Vanuatu and New Caledonia, extending to Australia and Fiji - scheduled to be operational in 2026.
Introducing TamTam: The world’s first SMART cable system combining digital connectivity and advanced warning systems for natural disasters.
TAMTAM, a joint project between Prima and Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), will connect Vanuatu and New Caledonia via some of the world’s most advanced undersea cable technology.
Combining cutting edge digital connectivity and scientific monitoring equipment, TAMTAM represents a multi-dimensional investment in the future of Melanesia and the wider Oceania community:
i. By providing both a supplementary and back-up cable for Vanuatu and New Caledonia to ensure continuity of service in the event of system failures or volcanic eruptions
ii. By significantly enhancing the region’s telecommunications infrastructure; enabling existing businesses to grow as well as attracting additional investment into the region
iii. The SMART cable’s advanced Climate Change Nodes will facilitate real time monitoring of seismic activity and tsunami formation, revolutionising warning systems throughout the Pacific and enhancing security and preparedness against natural disasters. Especially important in the geographically volatile Melanesian region.
What is a SMART Cable system?
SMART (Sensor Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications) Cables are submarine telecommunications cables that are equipped with sensors that enable Tsunami and Earthquake Early Warning monitoring, global climate and oceans monitoring, as well as network integrity.
TAM TAM?
A Melanesian icon, the TAMTAM is a vertical, wooden slit drum used traditionally in Vanuatu and New Caledonia to transmit messages and warnings of danger over long distances, even between islands.
Cable system specifications
Upon completion in 2026, TAMTAM will be a 470 kms long SMART (Sensor Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications) fibre optic submarine cable system that links Vanuatu to Port Lifou, New Caledonia, extending to Australia and Fiji.
The TAMTAM System is based on repeated 100G technology using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) in the 1550nm window.
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Cable SystemSupplied and installed by Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN): • Submarine cable boasting extra strong protection via a steel vault structure and armoured protection • High performance fibre with large core area • Highly reliable repeaters designed for wide-band WDM applications.
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Terminal EquipmentTAM TAM utilises 1620 SOFTNODE Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) providing: • High traffic availability through redundancy of key components • Large capacity and compact size • High performance 100Gb/s advanced coherent line interfaces
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TAM TAM also uses:• Highly reliable and duplicated DC power feeding equipment with single end feeding capability • Advanced Submarine Network management potential accessible from all terminal stations and the Network Operations Centre for preventive and corrective maintenance
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Climate Change NodesTAM TAM’s four integrated Climate Change Nodes (CC Nodes) will facilitate real-time monitoring of seismic activities and efficient tsunami detection, particularly in the seismically volatile New Hebrides Trench. This innovative technology promises to revolutionize warning systems throughout the Pacific, enhancing security and preparedness against natural disasters. The Climate Change sensors housed within the Climate Change (CC) Nodes feature: • A high precision 3-axis accelerometer, • A high precision broadband seismometer • A high precision pressure gauge, • A temperature sensor. Data collected by these sensors will be sent in real time to cable stations to be made available to the scientific community globally.
Prima. Committed to the wider Oceania community via a comprehensive range of services
Prima delivers a wide range of services to businesses, governments and individuals throughout the wider Oceania community. Our DNA is more about collaboration than competition. Though we are a technology company, at the heart of our organisation you’ll find more than just cables and computers. Here you’ll find people. Melanesians just like you; keen to assist and partner with you to build a better community for us all.
Prima services include:
Wholesale Bandwidth and Colocation
The Prima Data Centre is equipped with redundant power and cooling components and multiple failover paths for low-risk maximum security storage of your servers.
Cable Landing Station Operations
Our specialist engineering team provides carrier-grade cable landing station operations and maintenance services. All our equipment is maintained according to the highest industry standards and manufacturer specifications to ensure optimal performance of our clients’ cable systems.
Wholesale Bandwidth Circuit Provisioning
With wholesale bandwidth you can control your network, billing and manage your customer relations. Get online access to carrier-grade bandwidth products and access to our 24/7 technical support whenever you need it
Cable System Operations
Our team boasts carrier-grade capability to ensure that your subsea cable system is maintained and operated in accordance with industry standards and supplier specifications.
International IP Transit
Our Tier 2 engineering team maintains an international IP transit network with POPs in Singapore, Australia, USA and Fiji
Rack Space
We house privately-owned servers and networking equipment, secured safely within our data storage facility, powered and connected via multiple sources.
Carrier Neutral Landing Stations
We own and operate our own cable landing station facilities which are tenanted by cable-system owners that seek to outsource their land-based technical operations.
Satellite Teleport Operations
Prima can help you develop an integrated telecommunications system that encompasses your satellite and terrestrial network to provide high-quality satellite communication service.
Subsea Cable Operations
Prima provides comprehensive subsea fiber optic telecommunications operations and maintenance services which are designed to enable cable asset owners to focus on achieving their commercial objectives , rather than retaining and managing expensive in-house specialized engineering teams.
Thank you Tangkyu tumas Merci
Prima would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to key supporters of this ground-breaking project, including:
TAMTAM represents so much more than just an infrastructure and technology project. This innovative SMART cable project symbolises how international collaboration can help us meet some of the challenges that confront us all globally. By melding telecommunications with environmental monitoring technologies, this endeavour will substantially enhance the safety, connectivity and scientific knowledge of the entire Oceania region.
The Prima team comprises some of the best
new tech talent in Melanesia.
Your Prima team comprises some of the best new tech talent in Melanesia. We are proud of our achievements to date and excited about what is yet to come, especially with TAM TAM.
The drums are beating….
Careers at Prima
Are you looking to build your career in an innovative, Melanesian company with a global outlook?
We’re always on the lookout for talented people who want to work with the latest technologies and deliver solutions that have an immediate impact on our community.
If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you.
TAM TAM Timeline
The TAM TAM SMART cable has been a significant development in the world internet connectivity. Some of the key milestones in its timeline include the announcement of the project in 2022, the start of the cable's construction in 2023, and the completion of the first phase of the project in 2020. The cable is expected to be fully operational by 2026, providing high-speed internet connectivity to the millions of people in Vanuatu.
Contact
Level 1, Bayview Building
Lini Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu
+678 7606252