- AWS’s Fastnet cable will provide a new data route between Maryland, U.S. and County Cork, Ireland
- The 320-terabit-per-second cable will boost network resilience and cater to growing cloud and AI demands
What happened: AWS unveils Fastnet subsea cable for better connectivity
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled the development of Fastnet, a dedicated subsea fibre optic cable system that will connect Maryland in the United States with County Cork in Ireland. Set to become operational in 2028, the high-capacity cable will add vital redundancy to AWS’s existing global network, offering a new, faster and more reliable route for cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
At over 320 terabits per second, Fastnet will significantly enhance data transfer capabilities—enough to stream 12.5 million HD films simultaneously. The cable is part of AWS’s continued investment in infrastructure to meet rising global demand for data storage and computing power. It will also play a crucial role in strengthening the resilience of AWS’s network by providing an alternative path for data traffic, reducing the risk of service disruption due to issues with existing cables.
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Why it’s important
The Fastnet cable will provide critical network resilience, an increasingly essential feature for businesses relying on cloud services and AI-driven applications. Its introduction adds much-needed capacity and diversity to AWS’s fibre optic network, which already spans across the globe. With Fastnet, AWS aims to enhance connectivity between Europe and North America, improving service reliability for customers in both regions.
Moreover, as cloud computing and AI continue to drive technological innovation, robust, high-performance infrastructure like Fastnet is key to supporting future growth. The addition of a dedicated transatlantic cable highlights AWS’s commitment to expanding its cloud infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a leader in the global digital economy.
The new system is set to be operational in 2028 and will serve as a cornerstone for AWS’s long-term strategy to cater to the ever-growing demand for faster, more reliable connectivity in an increasingly interconnected world.
