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Telstra boosts Australia’s digital infrastructure with new Intercity Fibre routes and Pilbara expansion

ASX 200, ASX News, Communication Services
ASX:TLS      MCAP $45.75B
14 November 2023 12:06 (AEDT)

Telstra (ASX:TLS) is set to construct five new major routes as part of its Intercity Fibre initiative and expand fibre connections across Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The Intercity Fibre project construction began in March 2022 and saw substantial progress with more than 400 kilometres of cable laid.

“Connectivity will continue to play a key role in our economy and there is enormous potential for digital technologies to rewrite Australia’s growth equation,” Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said.

“As the largest investor in digital infrastructure in Australia, we are uniquely positioned to design and deliver this critical infrastructure, which will enable ultrafast connectivity between capital cities.

“Importantly, we have future-proofed the design and given ourselves the ability to extend this connectivity into regional and remote communities as demand grows and other partnerships arise, which will open up opportunities for regionally based industries and businesses.”

Planning has begun for an additional five routes, including the Adelaide-to-Darwin connection, scheduled for construction in 2025, this route is expected to enhance sub-sea cable infrastructure, create new data centre possibilities in Asia, and bolster the nation’s fibre network resilience.

In total, ten routes and a substantial Pilbara fibre network expansion are on the development schedule between FY23 and FY27, with funding drawn from the pre-established strategic capital expenditure range of $1.4 to $1.6 billion for FY23 to FY27, separate from standard capital expenditure.

TLS last traded at $3.95.

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