What's Happening?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled plans for a new transatlantic subsea cable named Fastnet, which will connect Maryland, USA, with County Cork, Ireland. Scheduled to be operational by 2028, Fastnet aims
to enhance cloud and artificial intelligence traffic capacity between North America and Europe. The cable will feature advanced optical switching and branching units, allowing for future adaptability and additional landing points. Designed with a capacity exceeding 320 terabits per second, Fastnet will be integrated into AWS's private global network, offering secured and scalable bandwidth for various applications.
Why It's Important?
The Fastnet cable project underscores AWS's commitment to expanding its infrastructure to support growing demands for cloud services and AI applications. By enhancing transatlantic connectivity, AWS aims to provide more resilient and efficient data transfer capabilities, which are crucial for businesses relying on cloud computing. This development could strengthen AWS's competitive edge in the cloud services market, offering customers improved performance and reliability. Additionally, the project highlights the strategic importance of undersea cables in global data infrastructure, as they play a critical role in international connectivity and data exchange.
What's Next?
As AWS progresses with the Fastnet project, it will engage with local communities in Maryland and County Cork to establish Community Benefit Funds supporting local priorities. The project is expected to attract attention from regulators and governments due to its strategic implications for undersea connectivity. AWS's focus on route diversity and resilience features suggests a proactive approach to mitigating risks associated with subsea cables. The successful implementation of Fastnet could set a precedent for future investments in undersea cable infrastructure by cloud service providers.
