Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced Fastnet, a new state-of-the-art transatlantic subsea fibre optic cable system connecting Maryland, U.S., and County Cork, Ireland. 

The Fastnet system, expected to be operational in 2028, represents a major leap forward in cloud infrastructure, designed to deliver greater resilience, speed, and scalability for the rapidly growing demands of cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence.

With a design capacity exceeding 320 terabits per second (Tbps), Fastnet will become one of the most powerful subsea systems ever built. It provides AWS customers with a dedicated, low-latency data pathway that ensures network redundancy even in the event of other cable disruptions. 

The project’s two new landing points, strategically located away from traditional transatlantic routes, will strengthen the digital backbone between North America and Europe while supporting the performance of AI-driven workloads on AWS’s global network.

The cable integrates advanced optical switching and branching technologies, allowing AWS to dynamically reroute data and future-proof the system for evolving connectivity needs. Engineered with multiple layers of protective armoring, it is also designed to withstand natural and human-induced disturbances along its route.

Beyond infrastructure, AWS is investing directly in community development. New Community Benefit Funds will be established in Maryland’s Eastern Shore and County Cork to support local initiatives in sustainability, education, and workforce development, reinforcing AWS’s commitment to inclusive growth and long-term partnership with host regions.

Read more to know about how AWS’s Fastnet cable will transform global connectivity, drive digital resilience, and empower local communities across Ireland and the U.S.