Amazon Web Services has announced Fastnet, a high-capacity subsea fibre optic cable system that will link Maryland in the United States and County Cork in Ireland by 2028. The infrastructure aims to boost data transfer reliability, enhance AI capabilities, and expand Ireland’s role in global cloud connectivity.

The Fastnet system is designed to deliver over 320 terabits per second—enough to stream more than 12 million HD films simultaneously. The route introduces new landing points outside traditional transatlantic corridors, improving data resilience and reducing the risks of service disruptions. This infrastructure diversification is central to supporting businesses that rely on AWS for AI-driven workloads and large-scale data operations.

The project’s design incorporates advanced optical switching technology that allows data to be redirected to future landing points as digital demand evolves. This flexible architecture will help meet the growing needs of companies running compute-intensive applications in sectors such as financial services, pharmaceuticals, and technology.

AWS has emphasised its collaboration with local communities in both Maryland and County Cork, introducing Community Benefit Funds to support sustainability, education, and workforce development. The initiative reflects a commitment to fostering regional participation in global infrastructure development.

Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the project as a major investment in Ireland’s digital future, reinforcing the country’s competitiveness and connectivity across Europe. For Maryland, Governor Wes Moore said the system positions the state as a technology and innovation hub.

Once operational, Fastnet will integrate into AWS’s global network of more than 9 million kilometres of fibre optic cabling, which connects 38 geographic regions and 120 availability zones worldwide. The system will support uninterrupted operations for organisations that depend on seamless data flow across continents.

Read the full article for more details on how Fastnet is reshaping global cloud and AI connectivity.