A wave of digital transformation continues to sweep the Sunshine Coast, driven by better data services via the arrival of a second subsea cable and data centre.
Sunshine Coast Council has launched Data Connect, the only Council-led digital infrastructure “data marketplace” service.
Data Connect leverages the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network’s infrastructure to link businesses with large-scale data needs to the right local telecommunication partners to help get the best deal.
This free service allows local business and new investors to easily access multiple service providers to compare and receive a more competitive service then previously available.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the region was in an exceptional position to capitalise on future tech and economic opportunities for its community.
“With leading connectivity, enhanced infrastructure and strategic partnerships, the region is primed to harness digital and economic growth opportunities,” Mayor Natoli said.
“The Data Connect service is another demonstration of Council supporting business through our investment in the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network and our relationships with local telcos to drive better outcomes.
“The service is free and available exclusively through Sunshine Coast Council.”
The region’s digital transformation is being supported by the new Tabua high capacity international submarine cable Google announced last year.
Tabua connects Australia in two locations, Sunshine Coast and Sydney, to Fiji and the United States, and will bring enhanced connectivity options and resilience to the region for businesses across Queensland and the near Pacific.
The Tabua cable is expected to land in the first half of 2026, and Google is using NEXTDC’s SC1 data centre in Maroochydore to support the project.
Google’s director of global network acquisition, Asia-Pacific region, Benjamin Robinson said the opportunity was exciting.
“The Australia Connect initiative will deliver new and diverse digital pathways to boost the reliability and resilience of the internet within Australia,” Mr Robinson said.
“We appreciate the supportive relationship with the Sunshine Coast Council in enabling this major investment.”
This Tabua cable follows the landing of an international submarine cable at Maroochydore in 2019. The project included a 550km undersea fibre optic cable which connects the Sunshine Coast to the 7000km Japan-Guam-Australia South submarine cable.
The cable is laid out under the sea floor and connects to the NEXTDC SC1 providing the fastest data connection to Asia and second fastest to the west coast of the USA.
