Fujitsu has signed an agreement with Trident Subsea Cable System to help build a new $400 million fibre optic network that will connect Perth, the Pilbara and South East Asia.
The network will help improve telecommunications connectivity competition in Western Australia, according to Fujitsu.
“This high capacity, high availability network will drive technology innovation throughout the region enabling Australia to remain competitive in the global oil and gas and resources market,” Mike Foster, chief executive officer of Fujitsu Australia and New Zealand, said in a statement.
“The project will underpin ongoing community development initiatives in healthcare, education and agriculture across the Pilbara.”
Trident recently announced the network design for the project, which has been welcomed by the WA government.
In July this year, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Michael Mischin, gave his endorsement for the project.
In a letter to Trident, he said the proposed project should be “commended” for improving telco infrastructure.
“Increasing the level of international connectivity will support the many multinational companies now operating out of Western Australia,” Mischin wrote.
“This is also likely to prove beneficial to global projects planned for WA, such as the SKA international telescope.”
Mark de Kock, chief executive officer of Trident, said the project would help to boost ICT employment in WA.