The dual 10Gbps circuits installed in 2003 will be upgraded to 40Gbps each this year, and to dual 100Gbps circuits by 2016.

"This arrangement is believed to be a world first relative to long distance undersea bandwidth at the very highest of capacities. We're proud to work side-by-side with Southern Cross to support international connectivity for Australian researchers," said AARNet CEO, Chris Hancock. "Increased international data connectivity will benefit many areas of Australian science including astronomy, climate modelling and high energy physics and demand will only increase".

"This quantum update will have particular benefit for astronomy and Australia and New Zealand's bid to host the Square Kilometre Array," he added.

Image: Swinburne Astronomy

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a major international radioastronomy project. When operational it will collect vast amounts of data that will be used by astronomers around the world. It is hard to imagine an SKA bid could be successful if the host country could not provide adequate internal and external communications links.

"Southern Cross has been a strong long term supporter of Australian Science and Research and is delighted to be the carrier of choice to support the Australasian bid for the SKA," said Southern Cross CEO Fiona Beck.