Telstra first announced its plan to build the 240 kilometre cable in August 2002. At the time Telstra said the cable would increase the reliability of communications between the Apple Isle and the mainland.
The second fibre-optic will provide redundancy for the existing fibre-optic link, replacing digital radio links that presently serve as its primary back-up.
Alcatel has not announced the value of the deal but Telstra's Bass Strait fibre-optic undersea cable laid in 1995 was constructed at an estimated cost of AU$30 million dollars.
"We chose Alcatel because of its innovative proposal, which delivered a solution that met our strict requirements for high quality product and services, and proven project management expertise," said David Piltz, General Manager, Telstra Integrated Network Solutions.
Alcatel today said the project is due to be completed by July 2003.
