Google and Telstra have announced a partnership to enhance the reach, reliability, and security of Australia’s digital infrastructure through the integration of terrestrial fiber and subsea networks, as both companies move to support the growing demands of AI applications and workloads.

In a statement in early June, Google said it will secure inter-city dark fibre capacity on Telstra’s Aura Network, a new fibre backbone spanning more than 8,000 kilometres across Australia. In return, Telstra will access Google’s Pacific Connect and Australia Connect initiatives, gaining subsea fibre pairs on the Tabua, Proa, and Bulikula cable systems, which link Australia to Japan, the Pacific Islands, and the United States.

By integrating terrestrial and subsea routes, both companies said they aim to remove single points of network failure and ensure continuous, secure data flows for businesses, government services, and households across the country.

Bikash Koley, Vice President of Global Infrastructure at Google, said the partnership brings together Google’s global subsea capabilities and Telstra’s terrestrial reach to ensure Australians have the secure, high-capacity, and resilient digital services required to compete globally.

Steven Worrall, CEO of Telstra Digital Infrastructure, said the Aura Network is the backbone of Australia’s digital future. By securing fibre pairs along high-demand global routes, Telstra is building infrastructure to power the next industrial revolution. He added that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to Australia and the Pacific as AI and data-intensive technologies reshape economies.