Expansion of the 2Africa Subsea Cable System
The 2Africa subsea cable system is now recognized as the longest in the world, following its extension to the Arabian Gulf, Pakistan, and India. This remarkable development adds a new segment known as the 2Africa PEARLS branch.
Formed by a consortium that includes major players like China Mobile International, Facebook, MTN GlobalConnect, Orange, stc, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone, and WIOCC, the 2Africa project now spans over 45,000 kilometers.
Impact on Connectivity
With the introduction of 2Africa PEARLS, the system will provide international connection to an additional 1.8 billion people, increasing the total reach to three billion. This expansion connects Africa, Europe, and Asia through terrestrial routes in Egypt.
New landing points have been established in Oman (Barka), UAE (Abu Dhabi and Kalba), Qatar (Doha), Bahrain (Manamah), Kuwait, Iraq (Al-Faw), Pakistan (Karachi), India (Mumbai), and Saudi Arabia (Al Khobar). Recent announcements also include new landings in the Canary Islands, Seychelles, Comoros Islands, Angola, and southeast Nigeria.
Encouraging Internet Ecosystem Development
Like other landings within the 2Africa project, capacity on the PEARLS segment will be offered in carrier-neutral facilities or open-access cable landing stations. This approach promotes a fair playing field, fostering a robust internet ecosystem.
The consortium aims to cater to various communities that rely heavily on the internet for essential services such as education and healthcare. Enhanced connectivity is expected to yield significant economic and social advantages.
Innovative Technology Deployment
Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) will implement the upgraded system using innovative technologies like Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM). This technology facilitates the deployment of up to 16 fiber pairs, effectively doubling the capacity of earlier generations and delivering greater cost-efficiency.
As demand for internet connectivity continues to grow, the 2Africa project is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of communications across regions. How do you think this development will impact the global internet landscape?