Connecting Continents: The Power and Potential of Subsea Cables

In an era where digital connectivity is as essential as electricity, subsea cables are the hidden heroes beneath our oceans. Stretching thousands of kilometers across the seabed, these cables form the backbone of the global internet, linking continents and enabling the seamless exchange of data that powers our modern world. Recently, Google made headlines with its ambitious plans to further strengthen this digital infrastructure, announcing the construction of a new high-capacity subsea cable system named “Umoja”, which will connect Africa to Australia.

The Global Web Beneath the Waves

Subsea cables are not new; they’ve been around since the mid-19th century when the first transatlantic telegraph cable connected Europe and North America. Today, these cables carry almost all international data, from streaming services and social media to financial transactions and cloud computing. The importance of these cables cannot be overstated—they are the lifelines of the digital age, with the capacity to transmit data at the speed of light across vast distances.

Google’s new project, the Umoja cable, is set to be a game-changer, especially for Africa. The cable, which is named after the Swahili word for “unity,” is designed to enhance connectivity and ensure the resilience of the internet in a region that has long struggled with high-impact outages. This new cable will not only connect Africa with Australia but also integrate with Google’s existing Equiano cable, which links South Africa to Europe along the west coast of Africa. Together, these cables will form a powerful network known as Africa Connect.

Why Africa Needs Better Connectivity

Africa’s digital landscape is rapidly evolving, with increasing demand for internet services driven by a young population and growing tech-savvy middle class. However, the continent’s infrastructure has often lagged behind, leading to slow internet speeds, high costs, and frequent outages. Subsea cables like Umoja and Equiano are crucial in addressing these challenges, providing the necessary bandwidth and reliability to support economic growth, innovation, and digital inclusion.

Kenya, one of the key landing points for the Umoja cable, stands to benefit immensely. Kenyan President William Ruto highlighted the significance of this project, noting that it will strengthen the region’s digital backbone, reduce the risk of connectivity disruptions, and open up new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.

The Economic Ripple Effect

The impact of these cables goes beyond just faster internet. A study by Africa Practice, commissioned by Google, estimated that the Equiano cable alone could boost South Africa’s GDP by $5.8 billion and create 180,000 indirect jobs by 2025. This economic ripple effect is driven by improved digital infrastructure, which attracts investment, fosters innovation, and empowers local businesses to compete on a global stage.

Moreover, the integration of subsea cables with terrestrial networks, like the one being built by Liquid Intelligent Technologies for Umoja, ensures that even landlocked countries in Africa can benefit from these undersea marvels. The improved connectivity will enable better access to digital services, enhance education and healthcare through telemedicine and e-learning, and support the growth of emerging sectors like fintech and e-commerce.

Global Network: With around 350 subsea cables worldwide, totaling 900,000 km—enough to reach the moon and back—these cables transmit ten gigabits of data per second per fibre optic, equivalent to sending 10,000 videos simultaneously. These fibres are bundled, insulated, and laid along the ocean floor.

African Cable Network: Africa’s connectivity is powered by key subsea cables:

• Equiano Cable: Owned by Google, this cable runs from Portugal to South Africa, enhancing connectivity along Africa’s west coast and named after Nigerian writer and abolitionist Olaudah Equiano.
• West African Cable System (WACS): Spanning 14,530 km, WACS connects South Africa to London, linking fourteen African countries.
• SAT3/WASC: Connecting South Africa to Portugal, Spain, and other African nations, this 14,350 km cable supports regional connectivity.
• Africa Coast to Europe: At 17,000 km, this cable runs from South Africa to Europe, facilitating cross-continental data flow.
• 2Africa: The most ambitious project, spanning 37,000 km, connects twenty-three countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Fully operational by 2023, it promises enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness.

Role of Fibre Network Operators (FNOs): Once laid, these subsea cables are plugged into landing stations on shore and distributed by Fibre Network Operators (FNOs). These operators manage the cables and ensure they reach end-users. They are crucial in bringing fibre internet to homes and businesses, running along roads and near houses to deliver connectivity.

Impact on Small ISPs: For small ISPs like AdNotes, subsea cables offer:

• Faster Internet Speeds: Enhanced user experience with high-speed access.
• Cost Reductions: Lower international bandwidth costs.
• Expanded Reach: Access to underserved areas.
• Increased Reliability: Reduced service interruptions and improved network stability.

In this new era of digital unity, subsea cables are the unseen yet indispensable infrastructure that will drive progress, connecting people, businesses, and nations in ways that were once unimaginable. As these cables continue to expand and evolve, they will unlock new possibilities, making the world a smaller, more connected place for everyone.