Australia strengthens digital connectivity with new subsea cable to Christmas Island

Australia is set to link its Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island to the mainland through a subsea cable project backed by Alphabet’s Google. The Bosun cable will connect Darwin to Christmas Island, significantly enhancing digital resilience and creating additional pathways to Asia. Christmas Island, strategically located 350 km from Jakarta, is home to a small population of 1,250 but plays a vital role in regional defence and communications, aligning with ongoing US-Australia military upgrades in northern Australia.

The project, supported by Australian firms NextDC, Vocus, and Subco, forms part of a larger strategy to diversify subsea cable networks. These connections will complement Australia’s links across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, integrating into global networks connecting the United States, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The cables also support Australia’s defence strategy, including its surveillance operations as China‘s submarine activity increases in the Indian Ocean.

In addition to its strategic importance, the cable will provide the residents of Christmas Island with faster and more reliable internet services, significantly improving local connectivity. This development highlights Australia’s commitment to secure, resilient digital infrastructure while strengthening ties with its remote territories and global partners.