Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the launch of Fastnet, a transatlantic subsea cable connecting Maryland and County Cork, Ireland. The cable aims to provide high-capacity connectivity for global cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. This announcement was made through an official press release.
According to Amazon's press release, Fastnet will add a new transatlantic route to AWS's extensive global fiber network, which already covers enough distance to reach from Earth to the Moon and back more than 11 times. The subsea cable is expected to enhance network resilience by providing new data pathways distinct from traditional routes, thereby minimizing service disruptions. Once operational in 2028, Fastnet will integrate directly with AWS's global infrastructure, offering faster and more reliable access to services such as Amazon CloudFront and AWS Global Accelerator.
As reported by TechCrunch, Fastnet will boast a design capacity exceeding 320 terabits per second. This bandwidth is sufficient to stream 12.5 million high-definition films simultaneously or transmit the entire digitized Library of Congress three times every second. Such capacity will enable AWS customers to handle intensive workloads ranging from AI training and inference to international commerce and scientific research. The article also notes that the cable’s redundant architecture includes advanced optical switching technology, ensuring flexible routing options for future landing points as network demands evolve.
The Irish Times reports that the €4 billion project positions Ireland as a key European hub for data transmission and AI infrastructure. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that this investment "represents a vote of confidence in Ireland’s digital future" and will assist the country in serving "as a gateway to Europe for transatlantic communications." Additionally, AWS is establishing Community Benefit Funds in Maryland and County Cork aimed at supporting STEM education, sustainability initiatives, and workforce development related to the project's construction.
Founded in 1994, Amazon is a global technology company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It operates across various sectors including e-commerce, entertainment, logistics, and cloud computing through its subsidiary AWS. AWS provides scalable computing, storage, and AI infrastructure services to millions of customers across 245 countries and territories. With over 120 Availability Zones worldwide, AWS continues expanding its global network to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable digital infrastructure for businesses and governments.