Telstra InfraCo plots Darwin to Adelaide network link

Telstra InfraCo division said it has begun early planning for a major fibre network connecting Darwin to Adelaide, as part of the incumbent's  intercity fibre network, which aims to connect mainland capital cities across Australia.

UGL has been appointed as the construction delivery partner, with works expected to begin in 2025.

The new network will deliver transmission rates of up to 650 gigabits per second, six and a half times faster than the current standard of 100 gigabits per second.

The project involves simultaneous construction of two separate fibre networks - Express and Foundation - to boost network resilience.

Technical innovations have yielded a cable that is 59 per cent smaller and 54 per cent lighter than current versions.

These improvements allow for longer cable lengths on drums, increasing from 5 kilometres to 12 kilometres, resulting in reduced network loss and fewer transport requirements.

The project is expected to save more than 8000 tonnes of polymer across the network.

"Today we are witnessing all industries adopt cutting edge technologies from robotics, automation, AI, the IoT and sophisticated real-time big data analysis," Kathryn Jones, Telstra InfraCo executive for national infrastructure projects said.

At the heart of this digital transformation lies the power of data which will rely on robust and resilient fibre networks that are high capacity and ultra-low latency", Jones added. 

"Darwin's unique geographic location and existing and planned subsea cable infrastructure positions the Northern Territory as a strategic launch pad for Australia's connectivity to the rest of the world", said Jones.

Telstra InfraCo has emphasised its commitment to working with local communities.

"We consider local knowledge and trusted relationships key to helping us build the intercity fibre network in the most efficient and respectful way possible and we will be working closely with Northern Territory communities, government and Traditional Owner groups with a shared commitment to respectful land use and preservation of cultural heritage", Jones said.

Telstra said it has committed up to $1.6 billion to various fibre initiatives, including its latest intercity network project.