In April, six companies including Google and Telstra entered into an agreement with Alcatel Submarine Networks to build a new international cable system that will connect Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.  

The two cables, totalling almost 10,000 kilometres, will start in Singapore before heading south to Jakarta, Perth and through the Bass Strait to Sydney.

Labor’s regional communications spokesman Stephen Jones said the alternative government would welcome Tasmania’s increased connection to the mainland.

“Anything that is going to give increased connectivity for Tasmania to the markets of South-East Asia can only be a good thing,” he said.

Mr Jones expected a third fibre connection to the mainland would create more competition and could lower data transfer costs.

The state government has previously confirmed it was in “active talks” about opportunities for Tasmania to be involved in the project.

“We are keen to explore what opportunities there may be for Tasmania from a connection,” the spokeswoman said. 

About two years ago SubPartners invited the government to chip in $20 million to build a spur into its latest cable.

But permit delays and a lack of investors meant the offer never eventuated. 

Now, each of the two-fibre pairs will have a minimum capacity of 18 terabits per second, with the option to increase future capacity.

Alcatel Submarine Networks will construct the cable, which is expected to be completed by mid-2019.

Comment was sought from the office of Communications Minister Mitch Fifield.