A major digital infrastructure milestone has been reached near Buderim with the Tabua subsea cable landing at Maroochydore, delivering a new international connection that links Queensland through the Pacific and the United States.
Regional Investment in Connectivity
The Tabua subsea cable reached the Sunshine Coast shoreline on 11 November 2025, forming a major part of ongoing digital infrastructure upgrades for the region. The landing supports the wider Australia Connect initiative, designed to improve international data pathways linking Queensland with the Pacific and the United States.
The operation used a specialised vessel offshore, supported by excavators, winches, boats and divers to bring the cable ashore at Maroochydore. This installation aligns with earlier regional digital infrastructure planning and ongoing development of commercial data centres in the Maroochydore City Centre precinct.
Buderim’s Connection to a New International Route
The landing delivers the first direct subsea cable system linking Australia to the United States without routing through Sydney. The system also establishes connections to Sydney, Fiji, Hawaii and the United States, forming part of a broader Pacific network.
The development supports increasing demand for digital capacity and complements new regional data-centre investment designed to strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s digital capability.
Technical Features of the System
The Tabua system contains sixteen fibre pairs engineered to carry approximately 17 terabits per second per pair, creating a total capacity of 272 terabits per second. Its transpacific trunk spans more than 13,000 kilometres between the United States and Australia, with branching pathways to Oahu, Suva, Natadola and Queensland.
The system will operate as part of a larger South Pacific network that includes planned links through Hawaii and onward connections to Japan.
Benefits for Buderim and Surrounding Areas
The increased capacity supports more reliable cloud services, data movement and digital operations, including technologies relying on artificial intelligence. It provides additional bandwidth options for businesses requiring international connectivity and improves pathways for digital exports.
Residents in Buderim and nearby suburbs are expected to benefit from more dependable internet performance for everyday use such as remote work, online study, mapping services and streaming.
The system’s diverse landing points add resilience for Queensland and enhance opportunities for digital investment across the region.
Regional Response and Outlook
Industry organisations involved in the system’s delivery have highlighted its role in strengthening international routes and improving data resilience across the Pacific. The cable links directly into a 50,000-kilometre national fibre network, expanding digital routing options throughout Australia.
Strengthening Future Infrastructure
With the arrival of the Tabua subsea cable, Buderim gains a direct connection to a wider international digital route. The system is expected to support long-term demand for data capacity, operational stability and future technology growth.
Published 18-Nov-2025