AWS Unveils Urgent Plans for New Transatlantic Subsea Cable

UPDATE: Amazon Web Services (AWS) has just announced a groundbreaking initiative to construct a new transatlantic subsea internet cable, named Fastnet, connecting the United States and Iceland. This major project is set to go live in 2028 and promises an astonishing capacity of over 320 Tbps, enough to support approximately 12.5 million HD streams simultaneously.

Officials confirm that Fastnet will link Maryland in the U.S. to County Cork in Ireland. AWS aims to fortify its network amid increasing global demands for reliable data transmission, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and recent disruptions in internet services.

Fastnet is expected to enhance AWS’s existing east coast cable networks, serving as a critical backup to mitigate risks associated with accidental cuts or malicious attacks. The cable will be buried approximately 1.5 meters beneath the seabed, shielded by additional armor near the shore to ensure its durability and security.

“By linking County Cork to Maryland in the United States, Ireland will become a true gateway to Europe for submarine telecommunications cables,” said Taoiseach Micheál Martin, welcoming the significant investment.

With this ambitious project, AWS highlights its commitment to expanding global connectivity. The company also announced plans for an additional 10 Availability Zones and three AWS Regions currently in development, further enriching its extensive network of terrestrial and subsea cables that spans over nine million kilometers.

Fastnet will utilize an optical switching branching unit, allowing for flexible routing and future landing points, making it a versatile addition to AWS’s infrastructure. This development comes amid a backdrop of increased cybersecurity considerations, as the company seeks to provide secure and reliable pathways for data flow across continents.

As the tech landscape evolves, AWS’s Fastnet underscores the urgent need for robust internet infrastructure. The initiative not only promises to enhance connectivity but also positions Ireland as a pivotal player in the global telecommunications landscape.

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