AWS Unveils Plans for Fastnet Subsea Cable Connecting US and Ireland

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a significant initiative to construct a new transatlantic subsea internet cable, named Fastnet, which will connect Maryland in the United States with County Cork in Ireland. Set to become operational by 2028, this ambitious project aims to deliver an impressive capacity of over 320 terabits per second (Tbps). This bandwidth is equivalent to supporting approximately 12.5 million high-definition streams or transmitting the entire digitized Library of Congress three times every second.

The Fastnet cable will be buried approximately 1.5 meters beneath the seabed, a measure designed to protect it from potential damage caused by accidental cuts or deliberate sabotage. The cable will also be reinforced with additional armor, particularly near the shores, to enhance its resilience against external threats. AWS believes that Fastnet will serve as a crucial backup to its existing cable networks, which predominantly serve the east coast of the United States.

Strategic Expansion in a Changing Landscape

This new subsea cable is part of AWS’s broader strategy to expand its global infrastructure. The company is also working on establishing an additional ten Availability Zones and three AWS Regions, further enhancing its service capabilities. AWS emphasizes that maintaining seamless connectivity across different geographies is vital. The firm stated, “The ability to maintain seamless connectivity across geographies isn’t just about speed – it’s about having secure and reliable paths for data to flow between continents.”

Fastnet will employ an optical switching branching unit that allows for flexible routing and the potential to include extra landing points in the future, adapting to changing demands in global telecommunications. Given the current geopolitical climate and heightened concerns over cable security, this project reflects AWS’s commitment to building a robust and secure communication infrastructure.

Irish Government’s Support and Future Prospects

The announcement has garnered positive reactions from the Irish government. Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed the investment, noting, “By linking County Cork to Maryland in the United States, Ireland will become a true gateway to Europe for submarine telecommunications cables.” This development not only reinforces Ireland’s position in the global tech landscape but also enhances the country’s role in supporting international data traffic.

With Fastnet, AWS continues to build upon its extensive network, which already includes over nine million kilometers of terrestrial and subsea cabling. As the demand for high-speed internet connectivity continues to grow, initiatives like Fastnet are essential in ensuring that both businesses and individuals have reliable access to data services across continents. This project signifies a pivotal step in AWS’s ongoing efforts to enhance its infrastructure and meet the evolving needs of its customers worldwide.