5 June 2025 – Southern Cross, Alcatel Submarine Networks and OMS Group have signed the SX Tasman Express “SX-TX” subsea supply contract, connecting Sydney (Australia) to Auckland (New Zealand).
Leveraging ASN’s state-of-the-art subsea technology, the Tasman Express subsea cable system will deliver 400 terabits of additional capacity across 16 fibre pairs (FPs) for Southern Cross customers. The subsea cable system will showcase the latest in subsea technology including Open Cable System architecture that will be compatible with future generations of submarine line terminals and optimised latency to support next generation digital applications. The system design includes ASN branching unit technology to facilitate an alternate Australian landing, subject to demand and final design confirmation.
In partnership with ASN, OMS Group will lead the marine installation using its latest fleet of vessels. The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Laurie Miller, President and CEO of Southern Cross Cables Limited, stated, “Tasman Express marks a significant step in enhancing digital infrastructure between Australia and New Zealand. With ASN and OMS’s support, this system delivers ultra-high capacity, low-latency fibre connectivity, meeting the evolving demands of AI-driven cloud regions in Sydney and Auckland.”
Ronnie Lim, Group CEO of OMS Group, added “This partnership underscores our commitment to shaping the future of digital infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific. By deploying the SX-TX system, we are not only reinforcing vital links between Australia and New Zealand but also strengthening the backbone of regional connectivity. OMS Group is proud to play a central role in enabling resilient, high-capacity networks that empower communities and fuel digital economies.”
Projesh Banerjea, Managing Director, Infrastructure, KKR said, “OMS Group’s collaboration with Southern Cross Cables and ASN marks a meaningful step forward in strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure. The SX-TX project brings to bear OMS Group’s ability to deliver resilient, high-capacity subsea solutions and ASN’s advanced technology to benefit Southern Cross’ customers, and underscores OMS Group’s commitment to enabling next-generation connectivity across the Asia-Pacific.”
Paul Gabla, VP Sales & Marketing, ASN said, “ASN is delighted to be working again with Southern Cross team and our strategic partner OMS Group. Combining ASN’s latest subsea technology with OMS’s regional marine expertise, this project will be a transformational infrastructure asset significantly enhancing capacity and resilience across the Tasman Sea for Australia and New Zealand.”
About Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN)
With over 160 years of history and 80% ownership by the French State Investment Agency (APE), Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) is a major player in the submarine cable industry, with more than 850,000km of submerged optical systems deployed worldwide – equivalent to 21 times the Earth’s circumference. With its 3 factories located in Europe and an exclusive fleet of 7-cable laying vessels spread across the globe, ASN develops, designs, deploys, and maintains turnkey submarine transmissions systems for telecommunications operators, content & services providers (OTT), as well as offshore oil and gas applications. With a complete portfolio of services and a unique expertise, ASN meets specific and growing demands of its clients to deliver ever-increasing connectivity across the seas and oceans.
ASN is actively continuing its investment in the development of Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE). This focus on innovation and advancement in SLTE technology highlights ASN’s commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of the subsea communications Industry. By doing so, ASN ensures that its systems are equipped with the latest technological advancements, offering enhanced performance, reliability, and efficiency.
ASN Media Contact: communications@asn.com
About Southern Cross
Southern Cross Cable Limited provides fast, direct, and secure international bandwidth from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific to the heart of the internet in the USA.
The Southern Cross cable network comprises three diverse submarine communications cables from Oceania to the US West coast with a current potential capacity of over 100Tbs. The Southern Cross NEXT cable is the latest high performance express route in the Southern Cross eco-system, providing data centre connectivity between Sydney, Auckland, and Los Angeles.
Southern Cross is currently undertaking the Southern Cross Tasman Express project which will be a high-capacity SDM express route, providing 400Tbs+ of data-centre connectivity between Sydney and Auckland. Southern Cross Cable Limited has offices in Sydney, Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton.
For more information visit Southern Cross at: http://www.southerncrosscables.com.
Media Contact: media@sccn.co.nz
About OMS Group
OMS Group is a global, neutral and integrated telecommunications infrastructure service provider with end-to-end solution across the digital value chain covering Submarine Cable Installation, Installation Support, and Marine Maintenance under Telecommunications services; while the Interconnect Managed Services division offers Cable Landing Stations and Network Backhaul related services, and Data Centre Connectivity. Our capabilities in Submarine Cable Installation and Marine Maintenance comprises installation and repair of deep and shallow water fibre-optic cable systems, shore end installation, engineering and subsea surveys. Additionally, we also provide installation support services such as permitting in principle acquisitions, project management, etc. We have a strong track record in constructing and owning cable landing stations and terrestrial dark fiber in Southeast Asia.
Media Contact: enquiried@opticmarine.com
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