Telstra has activated the Sydney–Melbourne coastal route of its new national fibre backbone, now called the Aura Network, marking a major step in its AUD 1.6 billion investment to strengthen Australia’s digital infrastructure and readiness for the AI and data-driven economy.
Designed and delivered by Telstra InfraCo, the Aura Network now connects Australia’s two largest cities and in live tests, the network achieved transmission rates of 700 Gbps on a single fibre channel, while simulated trials have demonstrated potential throughput of 83.6 Tbps across the 1,200-kilometre route – around 35 times greater capacity per path than standard carrier networks.
Microsoft has been named a foundation partner, using the Aura Network’s high-capacity, low-latency routes to strengthen its Azure cloud and AI operations nationwide. The network will support more than 80 operational data centres between Sydney and Melbourne, providing essential backbone connectivity for hyperscalers, government agencies, telecommunications carriers, and enterprises across sectors.
The launch follows the completion of the Sydney–Canberra and Canberra–Melbourne coastal legs, forming part of 5,000 kilometres of network already constructed. Further routes linking Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane are planned in the next phase of rollout, ultimately extending the network to nearly 14,000 kilometres across Australia.
An Oxford Economics report commissioned by Telstra projects that the Aura Network could contribute AUD 29 billion to national GDP by FY2040 and enable 84,000 additional jobs, representing a 0.5% uplift in total employment. If future routes are deployed under favourable conditions, the total GDP benefit could reach AUD 36 billion and 100,000 jobs. During construction, the project is expected to inject around AUD 2 billion into the economy and support 8,900 jobs.
Around AUD 5 billion of the forecast GDP uplift is expected to flow to regional and remote communities, as the network provides new opportunities for local businesses, schools, hospitals, and farms.
Two pathways
The Aura Network, formerly known as the Intercity Fibre Network, features two main pathways: an express route for high-speed data transfer between capital cities, and regional spurs that can connect hundreds of towns and regional hubs. Customers can choose between Dark Fibre, Direct Spectrum, or Wavelength products, offering options for full fibre ownership, scalable bandwidth, or fully managed services.
Beyond the technology sector, the network is expected to enable innovation across multiple industries – including autonomous mining operations, precision agriculture, virtual healthcare, digital education, and national defence applications. Its design also enhances network resilience, offering up to a 50% improvement in reliability compared with current systems.
The new name, Aura Network, reflects Telstra’s intent to build infrastructure that extends beyond city boundaries, connecting people, ideas, and industries across Australia. The operator said the name symbolises a network that “surrounds and connects”, representing a luminous pathway that will form the foundation of the nation’s digital economy.