Case study: Vocus

Advancing global digital connectivity

Australia’s specialist fibre and network solutions provider, Vocus, focuses on high-speed digital backbone networks, delivering equity of access across the country.

Background

Vocus has been instrumental in delivering high-speed digital backbone networks nationwide. In partnership with the Northern Territory Government, Vocus has significantly upgraded digital capabilities through the Terabit Territory project.

A key component of this initiative was the development and installation of the Northern Territory’s first undersea international telecommunications cable, the Darwin-Jakarta-Singapore Cable (DJSC), positioning Darwin as a critical hub in Australia’s global connectivity network.

Opportunity

The Northern Territory required improved digital infrastructure to support economic growth, enable business innovation and enhance connectivity to major international markets. Existing digital capabilities lacked the speed and reliability needed to compete effectively in the digital economy.

Approach

To address this, the Northern Territory Government collaborated with Vocus to upgrade the existing fibre network and establish direct international digital links, investing A$7.9 million as part of the broader Terabit Territory strategy.

Solution

Vocus leveraged its expertise in fibre-optic infrastructure to deliver a state-of-the-art telecommunications network. This included upgrading the Northern Territory’s high-speed terrestrial network from 10Gbps to a 200Gbps fibre backbone, with a total capacity of 20Tbps.

As part of this initiative, Vocus also completed the 7,700km DJSC in July 2023, providing a direct link to major technology hubs in Singapore and Jakarta.

This incorporated the 1,000 km cable connecting the existing Vocus North-West Cable System to its Australia-Singapore Cable, to enhance international connectivity and digital resilience for the Northern Territory.

Outcomes

The completion of the DJSC cable has transformed the Northern Territory’s digital landscape. It has established a world-class international 20Tbps link, providing seamless connectivity with the rest of Australia.

This enhanced network not only improves digital resilience by reducing reliance on existing subsea cables in Australia’s south but also strengthens redundancy in the event of outages or natural disasters.

Beyond connectivity, the DJSC cable has unlocked increased economic opportunities, supporting local businesses, industries, and digital service providers.

This infrastructure investment lays a strong foundation for future developments, including the establishment of new data centres in Darwin, further solidifying the Northern Territory’s role as the digital gateway of Northern Australia and a leading regional digital hub.

At-a-glance