At the end of last month, Telstra and Prysmian announced the expansion of their Prysmian fiber optic cable manufacturing plant in Australia, using advanced technology to build industry-leading fiber optic cables required for Telstra’s intercity fiber optic network, with the aim of reducing the project’s environmental impact. Telstra InfraCo is building an intercity fiber optic network to meet the growing demand for fast and efficient digital networks from users.
Brendon Riley, CEO of Telstra InfraCo, said, “The intercity fiber optic network project will meet Australia’s connectivity needs for the next 20 years. We have laid hundreds of kilometers of cables across the country and begun planning several new fiber optic lines to connect the capital cities of all continents. The expansion of Prisman’s fiber optic production line in Dee Why, New South Wales will be an indispensable part of the intercity fiber optic project.”. This is not only an investment in our country’s development, connectivity, and digital prosperity, but also our network design is unique in Australian style, with fiber optic cables adjusted to better adapt to our sometimes harsh conditions.
The key partner of this project, Prysmian, has invested in Australian fiber optic cable manufacturing technology, which will increase and enhance the production of locally manufactured state-of-the-art fiber optic cables for Telstra’s intercity fiber optic network.
Frederick Persson, Executive Vice President of Prisman Digital Solutions, said, “This significant investment in Australian technology, research and development, and manufacturing is the result of a two-year collaborative research and development. Together with Telstra, we have designed a world leading fiber optic cable that will support Australia’s current and future demand for high-capacity, low latency fiber optic networks.”
Sustainability remains a key focus of manufacturing technology development. Compared to Telstra’s existing fiber optic network, the new fiber optic cable is 59% smaller in volume and 54% lighter in weight. The reduced size and weight avoid the generation of carbon dioxide during the production and transportation of optical cables, which is expected to be around 35000 tons throughout the entire project period.
In order to support the launch of this large-scale project, Prysmian has invested in three key production areas to significantly increase the production capacity of the Dee Why factory.
Riley said, “Telstra and Prysmian have a long-term partnership to provide industry-leading technology to Australians. As connectivity demand continues to soar, these investments are crucial for us to provide the country with the next generation of digital infrastructure.”