Southern Cross Makes Fast Work of NZ-Hawaii Link

19 October 1999
Media Statement from Southern Cross Cable Network

Southern Cross Makes Fast Work of New Zealand-Hawaii Link

The Southern Cross cable now connects New Zealand to Hawaii. On 17 October, the 8,000km link between Auckland and Spencer Beach was completed when the CS Vercors made the final splice 4,600km Northeast of Auckland.

"Southern Cross has now completed over 70% of Phase One cable laying," says Ross Pfeffer, Marketing Director Asia Pacific for Southern Cross. "With links completed from Sydney to Auckland and now on to Hawaii, it's just a short journey to California and the heart of the Internet."

Southern Cross expects to begin laying the final segment of Phase One - between Hawaii's Big Island and San Luis Obispo, California - on 27 November.

"We're also set to begin our second assault on the Pacific, which will complete our ring network and provide the protected capacity our customers need. Having completed two cable landings in Fiji last month, three ships will begin the main trans-oceanic laying of Phase Two early next year," says Mr Pfeffer.

Laying of the Auckland-Hawaii link was carried out by three cable laying vessels. The CS Nexus commenced a 3,306km lay from Spencer Beach, Hawaii on 3 September, and the CS Innovator began its 1,371km lay from Takapuna, Auckland on 5 September. The Vercors then spliced onto the Innovator's cable end on 27 September to commence laying of the remaining 3,318km.

Phase One is scheduled to be ready for service in June 2000, with Phase Two due for completion in October 2000.

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www.southerncrosscables.com

For further information contact: Geoff Bilbrough Media Contact Southern Cross Cable Network Tel +64-4-4999-111 Email geoff@svl.co.nz

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