Global interconnection and data centre operator Equinix has announced that the Vocus-owned Australia Singapore Cable will be made available to customers across its International Business Exchange data centres in Melbourne and Sydney.
Anticipated to be completed in July 2018, the 4600-kilometre subsea cable will run from Singapore to Perth in Western Australia, and via Vocus’ terrestrial National Network to major Australian cities.
Equinix says the cable will provide greatly needed connectivity for Australian and global customers connecting to Southeast Asia from Sydney or Melbourne and, according to the data centre operator, demand for data capacity on the Australia to Singapore route is increasing rapidly, with Singapore being a popular choice for IT companies and start-ups seeking a base for expansion in Southeast Asia.
Jeremy Deutsch, managing director of Equinix Australia, says ASC will add to the rich ecosystem of cable providers already inside Equinix’s Sydney campus, and will be the first to establish a Point of Presence (PoP) in the company’s ME1 data centre in Melbourne.
{loadposition peter}“ASC is an important addition to the list of advanced submarine cables on offer to our customers at Equinix Australia, and presents further connectivity options to businesses looking for alternate connectivity to Southeast Asia,” Deutsch says.
“This is particularly significant in Melbourne, where ASC will be the first international submarine cable to establish a PoP connecting via the most direct path to Singapore through our facility. We’re proud to facilitate greater Interconnection between the two locations and continue our philosophy of supporting and building a carrier-neutral home for the Internet.”
Geoff Horth, chief executive, Vocus, says by establishing Interconnection points in Equinix, Vocus is able to provide “easy and low-cost access to customers in the key markets of Melbourne and Sydney, covering all major carriers in addition to cloud providers who are already part of the Equinix ecosystem”.
“As we see strong demand for connectivity and the need for diversity and resilience for both the Australian and other Asian markets, we are excited to launch a Singapore to Australia cable that will offer the fastest connectivity between the two destinations.”