SUBCO’s latest submarine cable project, APX East, is set to redefine connectivity between Australia and the United States. Scheduled to be Ready for Service (RFS) in Q4 2028, this 16-fiber pair system promises to be a game-changer for hyperscalers, neoclouds, and carriers. Unlike existing cables, APX East will offer direct fiber connectivity without any intermediate landings or interconnections, ensuring unparalleled reliability, security, and simplicity. This direct route will also provide the lowest latency path between the two nations, a critical factor for data-intensive applications and real-time communications.
The project is timely, addressing the growing demand for high-capacity international links driven by the deployment of AI factories in Australia. According to Bevan Slattery, Founder & Co-CEO of SUBCO, “Hyperscalers and neoclouds are looking to deploy 3GW of AI factories in Australia between now and 2028. This is going to need between 100Tb-200Tb of international capacity to deliver those tokens to the world. Any future system with a 2029 or 2030 RFS simply won’t work.” APX East is designed to meet this urgent need, offering a solution that can be deployed in time to support the burgeoning AI infrastructure.
APX East stands out for several reasons. It will be the first express cable system between Australia and the United States capable of operating without optical regeneration, allowing it to be single-end power fed across its entire length. This makes it the single longest continuous subsea optical path in the world, a significant engineering feat. Additionally, APX East will land in a new location north of Sydney’s existing cable protection zone, providing critical diversity from all announced hypercables landing in the Southern Cable Protection Zone. This strategic choice enhances the resilience and reliability of Australia’s international connectivity.
Another notable aspect of APX East is its status as Australia’s first sovereign-owned international hypercable. This reduces Australia’s reliance on US hyperscalers for connectivity needs, reinforcing the country’s digital sovereignty and independence. The project also includes plans for future branches to Hawaii and Fiji, which are expected to be operational in 2029. These branches are optional for customers seeking additional resiliency or to regenerate capacity to support network growth, ensuring that APX East can adapt to evolving demands.
The accelerated installation and completion of APX East are facilitated by its all-deepwater design between Sydney and California, which reduces permitting risks. This streamlined approach ensures that the project stays on track for its Q4 2028 RFS, providing a timely solution to the growing need for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity between Australia and the United States.
In summary, SUBCO’s APX East project is poised to set new standards in submarine cable technology. By offering direct, high-capacity, and low-latency connectivity, it addresses the critical needs of hyperscalers, neoclouds, and carriers. The project’s innovative design, strategic landing location, and sovereign ownership highlight SUBCO’s commitment to advancing Australia’s digital infrastructure. As the demand for AI and data-intensive applications continues to grow, APX East will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global connectivity.