Antigua and Barbuda is open to partnerships with neighbouring islands on its $20 million subsea cable project, which aims to enhance digital connectivity and reduce internet costs across the region.

Speaking on Pointe FM, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the government is willing to allow other Caribbean nations, including St. Kitts and Montserrat, to tap into the new cable at a reduced cost.

“I recommended to the distinguished Prime Minister of St. Kitts, Prime Minister Drew, that perhaps their telecoms company should join us and they can get it for a fraction… If there’s any other entity—Montserrat, for example—as we come down the island chain and they want to get a little tie-in, they can.”

The government-funded subsea cable, currently under development by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), is expected to increase broadband capacity, lower costs, and improve internet speeds.

“If we rely on the private operators, on Digicel and Flow, recognizing their profit motives, then we will not be able to offer bandwidth at this speed,” Browne explained.

He said the project will allow households and businesses to access significantly faster internet at the same price.

“If you’re paying, let’s say, $200-something right now for your internet service, and you’re getting 10 megawatts, we can give you 500 without charging $1 more.”

Browne said the investment in government-controlled telecom infrastructure will position Antigua and Barbuda as a leader in digital connectivity and support key industries such as artificial intelligence, online education, and business development.

“The capacity we have here, it is way beyond… In fact, we can’t reach that capacity within 30, 40, 50 years, if ever.”

The subsea cable is expected to be completed within 18 months, with Antigua positioning itself as a regional hub for high-speed internet services.