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Vocus delivers fourfold capacity boost on Adelaide-Perth route

July 7, 2026

Vocus has completed a significant network upgrade on its Adelaide-Perth 2 terrestrial optical route to deliver a fourfold increase in data capacity. The infrastructure enhancement aims to meet the growing demand for high-speed connectivity between South Australia and Western Australia. By leveraging advanced optical technology, the operator has successfully expanded its usable spectrum along the existing link without the requirement for additional physical fibre deployments.

The upgrade project utilizes C-plus-L band technology to maximise the efficiency of the current subsea and terrestrial assets. This approach allows Vocus to transmit data across a broader range of frequencies, effectively quadrupling the previous throughput capabilities of the route. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise the provider's nationwide backbone to support data-intensive applications and enterprise requirements.

This specific transcontinental link serves as a critical artery for Australian telecommunications, connecting major business hubs and international gateways. By increasing the capacity of the Adelaide-Perth 2 route, Vocus provides enhanced resiliency and scalability for its wholesale and government clients. The integration of modern optical equipment ensures that the network can handle increasing traffic loads driven by cloud computing and regional digital transformation.

Strategic investment in C-plus-L band equipment represents a cost-effective method for scaling network reach while maintaining low latency. By avoiding the civil engineering costs associated with laying new cables, the company can accelerate its delivery timelines for high-bandwidth services. The transition to higher-capacity optical layers also improves the overall energy efficiency of the network per gigabit of data transferred.

The completion of this project follows a series of recent infrastructure investments by Vocus across the Australian continent. The operator continues to focus on strengthening its inter-capital links to provide a robust alternative to legacy telecommunications infrastructure. The Adelaide-Perth corridor is particularly vital for transit traffic originating from subsea cables landing on the west coast of Australia.

Vocus intends to continue its phased upgrade programme across other key segments of its national footprint throughout the coming year. Future enhancements will likely involve similar technological deployments to ensure the network remains capable of supporting next-generation 400G and 800G services. These ongoing investment activities are expected to further solidify the company's position as a primary provider of high-capacity fibre infrastructure within the regional market.

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