SUBCO and Firmus to Enhance Tasmania’s Undersea Internet Capability to Mainland by 100%

Quick Overview

• Tasmania’s internet bandwidth to mainland Australia is set to double with a new undersea cable.
• The new route, Bernacchi-1, represents the first connection developed in two decades.
• It will provide a 60Tbps increase, exceeding the combined capacity of existing undersea fibre routes.
• SUBCO and Firmus Technologies are teaming up on this initiative, aiming for completion by 2027.
• Bernacchi-1 will give Tasmania a direct route to New South Wales.

Introduction

The connectivity scenario in Tasmania is on the verge of a major shift. In an unprecedented development, SUBCO and Firmus Technologies have partnered to double the state’s undersea internet capacity to mainland Australia. This project will involve the laying of a new cable across the Bass Strait, set to transform Tasmania’s digital landscape.

Bernacchi-1: A New Phase of Connectivity

The newly announced undersea cable, named Bernacchi-1, is intended to link Tasmania’s northern region to SUBCO’s transcontinental network, forming a crucial connection on the Perth-Sydney line. This is the first such initiative in more than twenty years, promising a 60Tbps boost in capacity that will surpass all current connections combined.

A Collaborative Effort

According to the deal, SUBCO will lead the construction and management of Bernacchi-1 as part of its SMAP framework, with Firmus Technologies providing the necessary financial resources. This partnership marks a substantial advancement in the region’s infrastructure capabilities, with the project expected to conclude by the second quarter of 2027.

Tasmania’s Initial Direct Connection to NSW

A key outcome of this project will be Tasmania’s first direct connection to New South Wales, a central hub for Australia’s international cabling. This link is anticipated to enhance the state’s connectivity with global networks, positioning it as an increasingly important player in the Indo-Pacific digital domain.

Forward-thinking Perspectives

Bevan Slattery, the founder and co-CEO of SUBCO, has consistently championed Australia’s capacity to excel in AI innovation within the Indo-Pacific region. He regards Bernacchi-1 as a fundamental step towards leveraging AI to create self-reliant infrastructure, thereby boosting national capabilities and security.

Conclusion

The forthcoming Bernacchi-1 cable is poised to revolutionize Tasmania’s internet capacity and connectivity. By establishing new links to mainland Australia and further, SUBCO and Firmus Technologies are laying the groundwork for Tasmania to emerge as a key player in the evolution of digital infrastructure.

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