Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 5, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the launch of Fastnet, a new transatlantic subsea cable system designed to strengthen global data network resilience. Expected to be operational in 2028, the project will create an independent data route between County Cork, Ireland, and Maryland, United States, enhancing connectivity and supporting the rapid growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital commerce.

Fastnet will feature advanced optical switching technology, enabling dynamic rerouting of data to maintain efficiency as network demands evolve. With a design capacity exceeding 320 terabits per second (Tbps), the system will become part of AWS’s extensive global network. According to the company, this capacity would be sufficient to stream approximately 12.5 million HD films simultaneously, underscoring its scale and technological sophistication.

The project’s two independent landing points in Ireland and the U.S. will provide redundancy and ensure uninterrupted service even in the event of disruptions to other cables. AWS stated that Fastnet will play a vital role in supporting increasing demand from AI workloads, cloud-native applications, and global business operations.

AWS highlighted that its centralised, real-time traffic monitoring system offers complete visibility into every link across its global infrastructure. The company said: “Unlike the public internet, where each networking device makes routing decisions with limited network visibility, AWS’s centralised, real-time traffic monitoring system has complete visibility into every link within the global network. This system implements millions of daily optimisations to ensure customer traffic always uses the most available and performant path, avoiding congestion and other issues before they impact applications.”

Alongside the cable announcement, AWS introduced Community Benefit Funds for both Maryland’s Eastern Shore and County Cork, dedicated to supporting local projects in sustainability, education, workforce development, and inclusion. The initiative aims to ensure that communities near the cable landing sites benefit directly from the investment.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin praised the project, saying: “Amazon’s new Fastnet transatlantic subsea cable represents a vote of confidence in Ireland’s digital future, helping to enable the next wave of innovation in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. By linking County Cork to Maryland in the United States, Ireland will become a true gateway to Europe for submarine telecommunications cables. This investment will enhance our global connectivity, reinforce the resilience of critical digital infrastructure, and strengthen our economic competitiveness.”

Maryland Governor Wes Moore also welcomed the development: “Building Maryland’s first-ever subsea fibre 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. To grow our economy, we need to prioritise industries of the future. That is exactly what this project helps us deliver, in partnership with leaders with deep local ties and robust commitment to community engagement.”

With Fastnet, AWS aims to bolster transatlantic connectivity, expand infrastructure to support AI and cloud applications, and enhance the stability of international digital communications networks.