Tasmania is set to receive its first new fibre optic connection to mainland Australia in more than two decades, following a landmark agreement between Firmus and SUBCO to build the new Bernacchi-1 submarine cable.

The project is expected to significantly expand the state’s digital capacity while supporting the next generation of AI infrastructure across Australia.

Named after pioneering Tasmanian-raised scientist and Antarctic explorer Louis Bernacchi, the Bernacchi-1 cable will connect Tasmania into SUBCO’s SMAP cable system between Sydney and Melbourne.

The wider SMAP network already spans more than 5,000 kilometres, linking Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

Firmus, underwriting the project, says the investment represents a major step forward for Tasmania’s digital future and broader AI ambitions.

Bernacchi-1 will deliver more than 60 terabits per second of additional capacity when it launches — more than all existing Bass Strait fibre cables combined.

It will also become the first direct connection between Tasmania and New South Wales, giving the state improved access to Sydney, where most of Australia’s international subsea cables land.

The cable is expected to land in Northern Tasmania, pending final marine and landing approvals, and will provide two separate mainland pathways through the SMAP system — one north-west to Melbourne and another north-east to Sydney.

Beyond faster internet speeds, the project is expected to improve resilience for Tasmania’s digital economy while creating more connectivity options for businesses and consumers.

Firmus Technologies Co-CEO Tim Rosenfield said the project was part of a much larger national push around artificial intelligence infrastructure.

“We’re re-wiring Australia’s digital infrastructure to make Australia one of the world’s largest exporters of AI Tokens,” Rosenfield said.

“Investing in the critical sub-sea connectivity infrastructure required for this task is another example of Firmus leadership as a full-stack AI Factory Platform company,” he said.

SUBCO Founder and Co-CEO Bevan Slattery said the project had been years in the making.

“I’ve been trying to build a new fibre route between Tasmania and the mainland for over a decade to bring much needed diversity, resiliency and cheaper connectivity to Australia and the world,” said Slattery

“Bernacchi-1 for me is a great example of how Australia can leverage AI to create new sovereign owned infrastructure capability for the benefit of the nation as a whole and this simply would not have happened without Firmus’ significant investment and underwriting the long-term operations,” he said.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff also welcomed the announcement, describing it as a major private investment in the state’s future.

“This significant private investment will strengthen Tasmania’s digital future, boosting capacity, resilience and connectivity,” Rockliff said.

“The AI revolution is here and Tasmania is in a strong position to benefit from the jobs and infrastructure being delivered as part of this change.”

“Our Government backs business and welcomes private investment, and we look forward to continue working with Firmus on opportunities in our State.” he said.

Timeline

SUBCO will build and operate the cable as part of its SMAP cable system, which is on track to be ready for service this month (June 2026). The Tasmanian branch is expected to be operational in Q2 2027.