Google & NEXTDC partner to boost Australia’s digital links

NEXTDC has announced a strategic partnership with Google's Australia Connect initiative to enhance digital connectivity in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

NEXTDC is partnering with Google, Sunshine Coast City Council, and several State Governments on the Australia Connect initiative. The project focuses on improving the reach, reliability, and resilience of digital connectivity through the implementation of new subsea cable systems.

The subsea cable systems are a vital component, providing Australia and the Asia Pacific region with direct Internet connections to multiple continents, including the United States. This infrastructure will support the growing demand for digital services prompted by developments in cloud technology and artificial intelligence.

Once operational, the Australia Connect initiative aims to offer new and diverse digital pathways, thereby enhancing the reliability and resilience of internet connectivity in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific region.

The initiative plans to expand direct and secure internet connectivity in cities such as Perth, Melbourne, Darwin, and the Sunshine Coast, with secure access to the Asia Pacific region through the Tabua and Honomoana Subsea Cable Systems.

Brian Quigley, Vice President of Global Network Infrastructure at Google Cloud, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. "We're excited to continue our close collaboration with NEXTDC in support of Australia Connect. This initiative will help deliver new digital pathways for Australia and throughout the Indo-Pacific region," he stated.

NEXTDC Chief Executive Officer Craig Scroggie commented on the longstanding relationship with Google and the benefits of extending their partnership. "We are longstanding collaborators of Google, having worked closely together on multiple cable landing facilities. The team are excited to extend our partnership to include the Australia Connect initiative which will deliver stronger, faster and more resilient internet for Australia and the region," he said.

Scroggie also highlighted NEXTDC's commitment to investing in critical infrastructure. "As a data centre provider with a network connecting coast to coast across mainland Australia, this ongoing commitment to invest in the nation's mission critical infrastructure enables NEXTDC to provide industry-leading solutions to our customers as they navigate the transformative impacts of AI to accelerate their strategic advantage," he added.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli noted the initiative's significance for the region. "We are excited to partner with NEXTDC and Google to help improve digital resilience across the country and the near Pacific. Australia's entire digital landscape is now changing and the Sunshine Coast community will play a significant role in this outcome," said Mayor Natoli.

She further remarked on the potential for economic growth, "This project builds on the significant progress being made to establish the Maroochydore City Centre as one of Australia's fastest growing innovation hubs, and an ideal investment destination for both international and Australian based businesses."

According to research by Analysys Mason, Google's investment in the submarine cable is projected to generate significant economic benefits, forecasting over USD $64 billion in GDP by 2026. The investment is also expected to create more than 68,000 additional jobs in Australia's digital economy.