Tasmania’s tech sector has welcomed the green light for the Marinus data cable saying it delivers the first government-owned high-capacity data connection from Tasmania to the world.
TasICT CEO Russell Kelly said that Marinus Link included a fibre optic connection that would provide significant additional data capacity, price competition and diversity of network route supporting Tasmania’s digital economy.
“TasICT supports Marinus Link providing it is economically and environmentally sustainable,” Mr Kelly said.
“Now that it has a green light – it’s imperative that Marinus Link adopts a proactive approach in all commercial telecommunications arrangements, ensuring that the telecommunications aspects are managed as being of significant value and not merely an adjunct to its primary function of electricity transfer.”
Mr Kelly said the lack of information had caused community division and welcomed the Tasmanian Government publishing the business case for Marinus Link so that all Tasmanians could get a better understanding of the project.
“Currently, Tasmania largely relies on Telstra’s two undersea cables to link to the world. Marinus Link will provide additional choice for businesses seeking to set up and expand operations in Tasmania and help de-risk their operations from network outages.
“When it comes to data, Tasmania currently has most of its eggs in one basket – and Marinus will change that, providing resilience and choice backed by government.”
“The link can help Tasmania attract and keep smart technology businesses and grow employment in all industry sectors.
“If done correctly, the Marinus data cable can also attract data centres to Tasmania that are booming because of the phenomenal growth in the use of Artificial Intelligence – creating job opportunities for related infrastructure trades such as electricians, data technicians, plumbers, air conditioning technicians and a range of building trades.
“And over time the Marinus data cable can help create the right ecosystem to grow tech businesses here and attract new ones – creating high-paying and productive jobs for software developers, data scientists, cloud engineers, cyber security professionals, designers, developers, network administrators, product managers and support specialists – not to mention the right conditions for start up and scale up technology businesses.
“Tasmanian households’ average consumption of data has increased by approximately 500% in the last decade and more cable connections including from private investors will need to be encouraged to keep track with this demand.”