The Government has entered into a conditional 25 year contract worth $65m, to secure a new international telecommunications cable.

The cable will be capable of handling huge data loads needed for research and education.

It will link New Zealand to Australia and the U.S, with further potential links to a number of Pacific Islands.

It's expected to come on line in 2016.

The existing South Cross Cable, which is half-owned by Telecom, is expected to meet New Zealand’s requirements until 2020.