AWS Announces Urgent Plans for Transatlantic Fastnet Cable by 2028

BREAKING NEWS: Amazon Web Services (AWS) has just announced an ambitious project to construct a new high-speed subsea internet cable named Fastnet, set to connect the US and Ireland by 2028. This groundbreaking development promises to deliver an astonishing 320 Tbps of capacity, enabling the transmission of approximately 12.5 million HD streams simultaneously.

The Fastnet cable will span from Maryland to County Cork, with plans to bury it 1.5 meters beneath the seabed for enhanced protection against damage. This strategic depth aims to mitigate risks from accidental cuts and intentional sabotage, especially amid rising global geopolitical tensions.

In a statement, AWS emphasized the importance of secure and reliable data pathways, stating, “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.” This new cable will act as a critical backup to AWS’s existing networks, primarily focused on the East Coast.

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

The Fastnet project isn’t just about expanding AWS’s infrastructure; it also reflects a significant shift in international internet connectivity. The cable will utilize an optical switching branching unit, allowing for flexible routing and the potential to add more landing points in the future.

As the tech landscape evolves, AWS is also planning to introduce an additional 10 Availability Zones and three AWS Regions, further solidifying its position in global cloud services. This expansion underscores AWS’s commitment to enhancing service reliability and accessibility for users worldwide.

The Fastnet cable is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the increasing demand for high-capacity internet services, especially in light of recent disruptions experienced by other providers like Microsoft Azure. The new connection aims to bypass potential vulnerabilities and ensure a safer digital environment for users across both continents.

This announcement comes as part of a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are investing heavily in infrastructure to meet the growing demands of global connectivity. AWS’s Fastnet is set to become a vital artery for data flow, supporting businesses and individuals alike.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as AWS moves forward with its plans for the Fastnet cable. This project marks a significant step toward a more connected and resilient future for internet infrastructure.