Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched a new subsea fiber optic cable system, Fastnet, to connect North America and Europe. This ambitious trans-atlantic project will link Maryland in the USA to County Cork in Ireland. Scheduled for operation in 2028, Fastnet intends to bolster global connectivity, improve resilience for cloud services, and support cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) demands.
In a press release AWS described Fastnet as being designed to ensure critical backup capabilities if other undersea cables are disrupted. The system is capable of transferring massive data loads exceeding 320 terabits per second (Tbps) designed for AI, cloud-native applications, and edge technologies powered by AWS services such as Amazon CloudFront and AWS Global Accelerator.
Micheál Martin, Ireland’s Prime Minister, said, “By linking County Cork to Maryland in the United States, Ireland will become a true gateway to Europe for submarine telecommunication cables. This investment will enhance our global connectivity, reinforce the resilience of critical digital infrastructure, and strengthen our economic competitiveness.”
Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland said, “Building Maryland’s first-ever subsea fiber cable is an achievement bigger than broadband connectivity; it’s about securing Maryland’s status as a global hub for innovation, job creation, and high-tech investment.”
Fastnet’s scalability aims to accommodate future data growth in AI and cloud services through advanced optical switching technology. The cable system is built for long-term reliability, featuring robust armoring and extra protective steel layers to safeguard against both natural and human-caused disruptions.
AWS’s global infrastructure spans 38 Geographic Regions and 120 Availability Zones, with announced plans for 10 more Availability Zones and 3 more AWS Regions, connected by over 9 million kilometers of terrestrial and subsea fiber optic cabling.