The works for the deployment of the SMAP submarine cable, which will connect major Australian cities through one of the most advanced telecommunications infrastructures in the world, are progressing well and have already surpassed 69% completion. SUBCO, the company responsible for the project, keeps an updated log of each milestone on its official blog, showcasing the magnitude and complexity of this key system for Australia’s digital future.
A Giant of Digital Connectivity
The SMAP is Australia’s first fully national hyperscale submarine cable, measuring over 5,200 kilometers in length and capable of transporting large volumes of data at high speeds between Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne (Torquay), and Sydney. The system utilizes state-of-the-art fiber optics, consisting of 7,000 tons of cable and 60 inline repeaters, loaded onto the specialized vessel Île d’Yeu, considered the largest cable-laying ship in the world by capacity.
The operation of loading and verifying the cable, carried out over 36 days in Calais (France), required meticulous logistics, with teams working 24/7 to ensure the quality of both the fiber and every component. After completing the loading process, the ship embarked on a 49-day journey to Australia, with technical stops in Cape Verde and Cape Town.
Progress in Landing Stations and Terrestrial Connections
One of the most recent milestones has been progress at the cable landing station (CLS) in Torquay, Melbourne, where internal and external walls have been installed along with the cover slabs. This facility will house critical systems for cable management and facilitate interconnection with the Australian terrestrial network.
In Adelaide, construction of the CLS is advancing following the completion of the foundation slab, while in Sydney, the installation and commissioning of the technical space within Equinix SY5 data center have been completed. Here, a multidisciplinary team has worked on the deployment of racks, security systems, and environmental monitoring to ensure maximum operational reliability.
In Perth, the arrival of the Île d’Yeu will mark the beginning of the cable-laying and connection operations along the Australian west coast, one of the most anticipated phases of the project.
Innovation and Environmental Respect
The SMAP project stands out for its innovative and sustainable approach. Emphasis has been placed on minimizing environmental and social impact through studies and collaboration with local and Indigenous communities. In the Maroubra area, for example, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) techniques were used to install conduits beneath the beach, protecting both the natural environment and cultural heritage.
SUBCO has also highlighted its collaboration with Indigenous authorities and local governments, ensuring transparency and respect at every stage of development.
An Unprecedented Logistical and Technological Challenge
The magnitude of the project is evident in the figures and level of coordination involved. The production, loading, transport, and installation of thousands of kilometers of submarine cable require specialized teams both aboard the ships and on solid ground. Each segment of the cable undergoes rigorous optical and electrical testing, and critical components like repeaters and branches are individually verified before deployment.
Additionally, integration with terrestrial infrastructures involves civil engineering work, the installation of manholes (subterranean vaults for cable access), monitoring systems, and redundant connections to the nation’s major data centers.
Next Steps and Expectations
The SMAP, currently 69% complete, is expected to be operational by March 2026. Its commissioning will represent a qualitative leap in Australia’s capability for data traffic, boosting sectors such as cloud services, digital services, artificial intelligence, and international interconnection.
This cable will not only improve the resilience and speed of internal communications but will also position Australia as a digital hub in the Pacific, ready to meet future demands.