In a major win for connectivity and economic growth, Sunshine Coast Council will partner with Google, NEXTDC and others on Australia Connect, an initiative to further the reach, reliability and resilience of digital connectivity in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
Australia Connect will deliver new subsea cable systems and build on the Pacific Connect initiative.
Sunshine Coast, NEXTDC and Google will partner on developing a new landing point in Australia for the Tabua trans-Pacific subsea cable that will connect the United States and Australia to Fiji
This is predicted to land at NEXTDC’s SC1 data centre in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast, in 2025, and will offer enhanced cable connectivity with faster, more resilient internet infrastructure for businesses in previously unconnected markets.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the initiative was an outstanding win for the region and the benefits extended far beyond just improved connectivity.
“Australia’s entire digital landscape is changing thanks to the vision of the Sunshine Coast community,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Creating a point of difference by investing in digital infrastructure is helping to develop a thriving, tech-enabled future.
“The additional cable complements a range of existing technology capabilities including WIFI 6 and will be strategically located in the 100 per cent uptime Tier III facility owned and operated by NEXTDC.
“This project builds on the significant progress being made to establish Maroochydore City Centre as one of Australia’s fastest growing innovation hubs.
“The Tabua subsea cable system will enhance our region’s already enviable digital infrastructure, making it even more attractive to international businesses and investors who are already viewing the region with interest.”
Mayor Natoli said the system was a welcome addition to the existing Sunshine Coast’s International Broadband Network which provides the fastest international connection point from Australia’s East Coast to Asia.
“For the Sunshine Coast to be chosen for this investment is clear evidence that we have a reputation as a leading player in the Asia-Pacific technology environment,” she said.
NEXTDC Managing Director and CEO Craig Scroggie said NEXTDC was proud to be a longstanding partner with Sunshine Coast Council and Google, collaborating to establish key cable landing facilities within our Sunshine Coast Data Centre and across Australia’s digital infrastructure.
“We’re thrilled to expand this strategic partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and Google in support of the Australia Connect initiative, enhancing Australia’s internet connectivity and delivering faster, more secure and reliable digital services,” Mr Scroggie said.
Google Cloud Global Network Infrastructure Vice-President Brian Quigley said Google was pleased to collaborate with Sunshine Coast Council to bring a new landing for the Tabua subsea cable in Eastern Australia.
“This project will help increase the reliability and resilience of digital connectivity in the Indo-Pacific by improving reliability, adding capacity and reducing latency,” Mr Quigley said.
