Datagrid New Zealand has signed a supply and installation contract with Alcatel Submarine Networks and OMS Group to deliver the Tasman Ring Network, a 2,300 km optical submarine cable system planned to connect Invercargill in New Zealand’s South Island with Melbourne, Australia.
Under the contract, Alcatel Submarine Networks will supply the submarine cable system, while OMS will conduct the marine survey and install the cable, according to the companies.
The project is positioned as the first international submarine cable to land in New Zealand’s South Island, adding a second international landing geography for the country and providing an alternative route intended to improve resilience and diversity for international connectivity.
The companies said the Tasman Ring Network is expected to include a minimum of eight fibre pairs and deliver a design capacity of at least 160 Tbps.
Datagrid Chief Executive Officer Remi Galasso said the cable would improve internet performance for South Island organisations, claiming latency could be improved by up to 45 percent compared with routes via the North Island.
OMS said it will use its USV ELITE unmanned surface vessel to conduct the marine survey, describing the approach as lower-emission than using a conventional crewed survey ship. OMS Group Chief Executive Officer Ronnie Lim said the vessel would reduce fuel consumption and the carbon footprint of survey operations while collecting seabed data along the route.
Alcatel Submarine Networks Chief Executive Officer Alain Biston said the company would support delivery of the new route and described it as significant for New Zealand’s economic development.
