Timor-Leste’s Internet Evolution: Bridging the Digital Divide in 2025
In June 2024, Timor-Leste landed the TLSSC submarine cable, about 607 km to Australia with 27 Tbps capacity, built by Alcatel Submarine Networks, connecting Dili to Australia’s NWCS via Darwin and Port Hedland. Starlink launched in Timor-Leste in December 2024, becoming the 116th country with Starlink coverage and achieving nationwide signal by December 13, 2024. As of Jan 2025, internet users numbered 486,000 (34.5% of the population), down from 742,000 (54.2%) in Jan 2024 due to updated methodologies. Timor-Leste’s population is about 1.41 million (roughly 33% urban) with a median age around 21–22 years and about 74% under 35. The