Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency today announced that Palau’s national telecommunications provider, the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC), has selected trusted vendors, including three U.S. suppliers, to provide technology for a secure nationwide 4G/5G mobile network, based on the results of USTDA-funded technical assistance. Deploying these technologies will modernize and expand Palau’s network while securing it against high-risk technology providers. This project is the first commercial deployment of Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) equipment in the Pacific Islands and will act as a model for other islands to replicate. Companies selected include Texas-based Dell Technologies; Massachusetts-based Groundhog Technologies; and California-based LotusFlare, Inc.
“Palau’s selection of U.S. technology demonstrates the strength and competitiveness of trusted suppliers in delivering secure, high-quality communications infrastructure,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “The project also reflects the close and enduring partnership between the United States and Palau, strong coordination with fellow Quad members Australia, India, and Japan, and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
PNCC’s vendor selection is based on findings from a USTDA-funded feasibility study that evaluated options for upgrading Palau’s mobile network using ORAN technologies. The study helped PNCC identify technical requirements, assess commercial options, and select best-value solutions from U.S. and allied suppliers. By lowering barriers to entry for ORAN equipment, the deployment of these solutions will also position Palau’s infrastructure to support other Pacific Island nations, accelerating regional connectivity. The U.S. suppliers will provide solutions for PNCC’s digital customer platform, servers and storage to support data centers, and real-time network intelligence and analytics software. The initiative is part of a broader effort by Quad member countries to support secure, trusted, and resilient telecommunications infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region.
Simon Fraser, CEO of PNCC said: “This project will transform connectivity in Palau through a secure, resilient 4G/5G standalone network with nationwide coverage. But this is not just about infrastructure – this is about connecting people to opportunity, services, and each other, strengthening Palau’s economy and ensuring all communities across the country can fully participate in Palau’s digital future. The network is under construction and expected to be fully operational by the end of Q1 2027. Designed for future expansion and multi-tenancy, it also enables Palau’s infrastructure to support other Pacific Island nations, lowering barriers to entry to trusted and secure 5G Standalone infrastructure and accelerating regional connectivity transformation.”
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure development in emerging markets, advancing the shared strategic priorities of the United States and our overseas partners while creating opportunities to deploy trusted U.S. solutions. USTDA funds the upfront technical work that accelerates the development of infrastructure projects, helping them attract the financing they need for implementation and procurement of U.S. goods and services.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: press@ustda.gov