AWS announces it is developing a new submarine cable system called 'Fastnet,' which is expected to begin operation in 2028
On November 4, 2025, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced Fastnet, a transatlantic submarine fiber optic cable system connecting the United States and Ireland. Fastnet's unique fault-tolerant design aims to improve global connectivity and address growing demand for AI, and it is scheduled to begin operation in 2028.
AWS rolls out Fastnet subsea cable connecting US and Ireland
The image of the transatlantic submarine cable connecting Maryland, USA and Cork, Ireland looks like this.
The Fastnet design, released by Amazon, combines a durable cable jacket with an additional layer of protective steel wire along the coast to protect the cable from natural and human activity.
Fastnet is strategically routed away from traditional cable routes, providing a backup route in case of problems with other cables. Additionally, Fastnet employs advanced optical switching branching unit technology, specifically designed for scalability to handle growing AI traffic loads.
Fastnet is designed to have a capacity of over 320 terabits per second (Tbps), equivalent to transferring the entire digitized Library of Congress three times per second or streaming 12.5 million high-definition (HD) movies simultaneously. Fastnet is directly integrated into AWS's comprehensive global network, enabling rapid data rerouting and multi-layered redundancy to prevent business interruptions.
Additionally, AWS is 'investing heavily' in burying its undersea cables to prevent accidental damage or malicious disconnection, according to David Selby, director of global network infrastructure development at AWS. While the depth varies slightly depending on the ocean floor, installers will dig holes roughly 1.5 meters deep, running horizontally from coast to coast, and lay the cables there.
Amazon said, 'Since 2006, AWS has made significant investments in building and operating the world's most secure, reliable, and scalable cloud infrastructure. Fastnet is an important milestone in this ongoing effort, and it's more than just a cable system. By providing the infrastructure for the global internet to communicate, we're enabling people to take advantage of the latest technologies that are integrated into their daily lives.'
The construction of Fastnet and other projects is also expected to create numerous jobs and stimulate industry. Irish Prime Minister Michal Martin said, 'Amazon's new transatlantic submarine cable, Fastnet, is a testament to our confidence in the future of Ireland's digital strategy and will accelerate the next wave of innovation in cloud computing and AI. Connecting County Cork and Maryland will make Ireland a true gateway to Europe for undersea communications cables, improving Ireland's global connectivity and strengthening our economic competitiveness.' Maryland Governor Wes Moore added, 'The construction of Maryland's first undersea fiber optic cable will solidify Maryland's position as a global hub for innovation, job creation, and high-tech investment.'
'These projects take an incredibly long time, from the simple task of manufacturing the cable itself to the deployment of the vessels, scheduling the cable work, and the landing process,' Selby said. He revealed that at the time of writing, they were finalizing the Fastnet design and working with communities in Maryland and Ireland to address 'environmental, commercial, tourism, and all other concerns, as well as the global fishing community.' It has been announced that Fastnet is scheduled to be operational in 2028.
Related Posts:
in Web Service, Posted by log1e_dh