New Tasmanian Subsea Fibre Link to Enhance Digital Infrastructure
Severity: Low (Score: 18.8)
Sources: Capitalbrief, Afr
Published: · Updated:
Keywords: firmus, cable, tasmania, subco, fund, fibre, build
Summary
Firmus and Subco have announced a partnership to construct a new submarine fibre-optic cable, Bernacchi-1, linking Tasmania to mainland Australia. This will be the first new connection in over 20 years, significantly increasing Tasmania's digital capacity by over 60 terabits per second. The cable will connect to Subco's Sydney-Melbourne-Adelaide-Perth subsea cable system, which is set to be operational this month. The Tasmanian branch is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2027. Firmus aims to leverage this infrastructure to boost its AI factory capabilities. The project highlights the growing importance of digital connectivity in supporting advanced technologies like AI. Key Points: • Firmus and Subco are building the first new subsea fibre link to Tasmania in 20 years. • The Bernacchi-1 cable will provide over 60 terabits per second of additional capacity. • The Tasmanian link is expected to be operational by mid-2027, enhancing digital infrastructure.
Detailed Analysis
**Impact** The new Bernacchi-1 subsea fibre-optic cable will link Tasmania to mainland Australia, increasing digital capacity by over 60 terabits per second, surpassing the combined capacity of all existing Bass Strait cables. This infrastructure expansion supports AI infrastructure development, primarily benefiting the Australian technology sector and AI-focused enterprises. The project impacts Tasmania and major Australian mainland cities connected by the SMAP system: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. No immediate data breach or operational disruption is reported. **Technical Details** No cybersecurity attack, malware, or exploitation details are provided in the articles. The infrastructure involves a new 5000-kilometre subsea cable system (SMAP) connecting multiple Australian cities, with the Bernacchi-1 cable linking Tasmania to this network. The cable is underwritten by Firmus and constructed and operated by Subco, with the Tasmanian segment expected operational by Q2 2027. **Recommended Response** No specific cybersecurity threats or vulnerabilities are identified; therefore, no immediate defensive actions or patches are recommended. Defenders should monitor for any emerging threats related to subsea cable infrastructure and maintain standard network security hygiene around new connectivity points once operational.
Source articles (2)
- Firmus, Subco to build first new Tasmanian sub-sea fibre link in 20 years — Capitalbrief · 2026-06-02
The news: Firmus and submarine cable developer Subco have secured a landmark agreement to build a new submarine fibre-optic cable linking Tasmania to mainland Australia, expanding the state’s digital… - Firmus steps in to fund subsea fibre connection to Tasmania — Afr · 2026-06-02
Artificial intelligence infrastructure start-up Firmus Technologies will fund the first new fibre-optic cable to Tasmania in 20 years as part of a deal with underwater cable company Subco that Firmus…
Timeline
- 2026-06-02 — Agreement announced for new Tasmanian subsea cable: Firmus and Subco secured a deal to build the Bernacchi-1 cable, enhancing Tasmania's digital capacity.
- 2026-06-02 — Funding confirmed for subsea fibre connection: Firmus will fund the Bernacchi-1 cable, linking northern Tasmania to Subco's extensive cable system.
Related entities
- Australia (Country)