Expanding Horizons: Telstra International Broadens its Pacific Presence

Telstra International is expanding its presence in the Pacific through collaboration with three new submarine cable consortia. The company has joined forces with Google and APTelecom for the central Pacific Connect Initiative, partnering with Trans Pacific Networks on the Echo cable, and teaming up with Latin American providers Axtel and Vivaro.

As part of the central Pacific Connect Initiative, Telstra International will play a crucial role in two planned cables: Bulikula, connecting Guam and Fiji, and Halaihai, linking Guam and French Polynesia. Initially, Telstra International will own and operate a fiber pair on Bulikula's core trunk, with plans to collaborate with other entities and governments to establish branches to additional Pacific islands.

Collaborating with Google on the Tabua cable, Telstra aims to enhance path diversity between Guam and Australia, spanning Fiji and other Pacific islands, as well as between the US and Australia.

The Echo cable, developed in partnership with Trans Pacific Networks, will mark the first direct cable from the United States to Singapore. This cable's route will connect California, Jakarta, Singapore, and Guam, with segments set to launch later this year and completion expected in 2025. Telstra will provide cable landing station services in Singapore, along with network operations services, while the landing in Indonesia will be facilitated by XL Axiata.

In a bid to boost connectivity to Latin America, Telstra International plans to establish a dedicated point-of-presence (PoP) at the Stemmons Towers facility in Dallas, Texas. This move will serve as the foundation for collaboration with Mexican telecommunications companies Axtel and Vivaro.