USD $70 million submarine cable project underway in Raglan
Media Industry

USD $70 million submarine cable project underway in Raglan

MEDIA RELEASE - A team of specialist submarine cable experts will arrive in Raglan this month to lay the first section of the Tasman Global Access (TGA) undersea cable.

Telecommunications companies Spark, Vodafone and Telstra are investing approximately USD $70 million to build the TGA cable, which will significantly improve New Zealand’s international broadband connectivity.

Other benefits of the new cable include strengthened links into fast-growing Asian markets, important redundancy and resiliency, and better connection with the five main international cable systems currently serving Australia.

The consortium of Spark, Vodafone and Telstra have contracted Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks (ASN), now part of Nokia, to lay the first cable between Ngarunui Beach at Raglan and Narrabeen Beach in Australia.

Spark’s General Manager Wholesale and International, Lindsay Cowley, and Vodafone’s Wholesale Director, Steve Rieger, jointly commented on behalf of the consortium:

“The work in Raglan marks an exciting and important milestone on the journey to having the TGA cable ready to start carrying data across the Tasman towards the end of 2016.

“The first stage will see the crew of the MV Tranquil Image - a specially fitted out New Zealand vessel - bury a three kilometre stretch of fibre optic cable from Ngarunui Beach, through the surf zone and into the ocean.

“Once the Raglan shore landing works are complete, a larger specialised ASN ship will arrive in New Zealand to connect the next section of cable, taking it across the Tasman and eventually connecting it to the Narrabeen Beach landing in Australia.”

The cable laying activities at Ngarunui Beach are scheduled to commence on 29 March and this first stage will take approximately one week to complete.

The consortium cautions that weather conditions may impact the schedule:

“The goal is to complete this first stage as quickly and seamlessly as possible, however the health and safety of the crew, and the public, are our first priority.

“We are keeping the Raglan community informed of the key construction dates and activities and we are extremely grateful for their understanding and support of the project so far,” said Lindsay Cowley and Steve Rieger.

The TGA cable is currently on track to be completed, tested and ready for service by the end of 2016. The 2,300km length of cable is comprised of two fibre pairs, and will have a total capacity of 20 terabits per second.

Further Raglan Landing site project details are as follows:

Constructor: Alcatel Submarine Networks

Project term: Start date for stage one at Raglan is from 29 March onwards, with a duration of approximately one week – subject to weather conditions. The start date for stage two – the cable lay across the Tasman to Narrabeen Beach in Australia, will follow on through a suitable marine window and will also be subject to weather conditions, ASN crew and equipment and ASN shipping scheduling of the main deep water marine works.

Latest News
Vodafone to defend FibreX charges
13 April 2018
Media Statement - Vodafone is disappointed by the approach taken by the Commerce Commission to this case. We disagree with the charges laid by the Commission and welcome the opportunity to defend the naming and marketing of FibreX and reinforce the benefits of this service.
Vodafone to offer iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition
13 April 2018
Media release - Vodafone today announced it will offer iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition, the new generation of iPhone in a stunning red finish. Both phones sport a beautiful glass enclosure, now in red, with a matching aluminum band and a sleek black front. Customers will be able to order the special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone at https://www.vodafone.co.nz/iphone8 and it arrives in Vodafone stores today (Friday 13th April).
Vodafone welcomes the future of smartphones with HUAWEI P20 Series pre-sales
13 April 2018
Media release - Vodafone is today urging customers to get in quick to pick up an amazing offer on the HUAWEI P20 Series superphones which deliver next-generation AI, connectivity and photography.

Network Status

Mobile ›
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Low No Connection
Landline & Broadband ›
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Low No Connection

Internet Explorer Not Supported

Please note that we do not support Internet Explorer. For optimal browsing we recommend Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.