Project position
A direct Auckland–Sydney system has been announced.
SUBSEA CONNECTIVITY · FULL DEEP TRACKER
SX Tasman Express
A new direct trans-Tasman digital artery designed to connect Auckland and Sydney data-centre hubs.
CONTRACTED · DELIVERY PENDINGAuckland–SydneyCONTINUOUSLY MONITOREDUpdated September 2026
STATUSCONTRACTED
KEY SIGNAL400 Tbps · target 2028
LOCATIONAuckland–Sydney
PUBLIC EVIDENCETracked
WHY IT MATTERS
Strategic significance
The system could add major capacity and route diversity between New Zealand and Australia, but its national value depends on physical delivery, commercial activation and genuine network diversity.
CURRENT ASSESSMENT
A credible announced system; construction and service remain the proof points.
The announced design and target date establish intent. Marine work, landing infrastructure, contracted users, commissioning and ready-for-service status determine whether the capacity becomes operational.
EVIDENCE GATES
What is confirmed—and what remains open
Material milestone
The stated design capacity is 400 Tbps.
Commercial proof
The target service year is 2028.
KEY FIGURE RECONCILIATION
Do not treat unlike numbers as equivalent
The public commitment or stated project scope.
Physical, technical or operating evidence that the commitment is being executed.
Economic and national outcomes require separate evidence.
DELIVERY & OPERATING STACK
The layers behind the headline
Project propositionDefinedA new direct trans-Tasman digital artery designed to connect Auckland and Sydney data-centre hubs.
DeliveryUnder reviewMilestones are updated only when a credible source changes the case.
Commercial adoptionEvidence requiredAnnouncements, pilots, contracts and operating use are treated as different stages.
New Zealand valueContinuously assessedLocal jobs, capability, infrastructure, resilience and export value are tracked separately.
VERIFIED TIMELINE
Milestones and status changes
- AnnouncementProject scope and trans-Tasman route disclosed.
- CurrentDelivery programme remains under active review.
- Target 2028Publicly stated ready-for-service objective.
STAKEHOLDER MAP
Who shapes the outcome
- Southern Cross Cables
- Cable suppliers and marine contractors
- Landing-station and terrestrial network operators
- Auckland and Sydney data-centre customers
- Regulators and coastal communities
DEPENDENCIES
What must align
- Permits and marine survey
- Cable manufacture and lay
- Landing stations
- Terrestrial backhaul
- Contracted demand
RISKS & OPEN QUESTIONS
What is unresolved
- Delivery delay
- Capacity figures mistaken for activated traffic
- Route concentration
- Commercial terms undisclosed
NEXT SIGNALS
What Digital.nz will watch
- Marine survey
- Supplier and vessel milestones
- Landing works
- Commissioning
- Ready-for-service confirmation
CORE EVIDENCE REGISTER