Vodafone UK has spearheaded the latest landing for the 2Africa subsea cable system in Bude, Cornwall. This monumental project, touted as the world’s largest subsea cable system, is set to revolutionize internet connectivity between Africa and the rest of the world.
The strategic landing in Cornwall serves as a pivotal point for bolstering faster and more reliable connectivity, benefiting UK businesses seeking to expand their digital footprint in Africa, and vice versa. As the lead partner for the UK landing, Vodafone undertook the mammoth task of managing the physical cable’s installation, burial, and connection to terrestrial infrastructure.
With a staggering capacity of up to 180 terabits per second (Tbps), 2Africa is poised to be the first system providing continuous capacity around the African continent. This groundbreaking initiative will interconnect 33 countries across three continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia, upon completion. Launched in May 2020, the cable system spans over 45,000 kilometers in length, an engineering marvel capable of encircling the earth.
Vodafone’s commitment to bridging the digital gap is underscored by its ownership of dual fibre cables designed to last 25 years. The recent commencement of customer traffic on a segment of the cable system marks a significant milestone in advancing global connectivity. Dubbed the SHARP system, in honor of Rick Perry, Vodafone’s Head of Subsea Partnerships, who boasts an illustrious 50-year career in the industry, the cable system embodies a testament to Perry’s legacy and contributions.
Rick Perry expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “2Africa is the world’s most ambitious cable system and will help to narrow the digital divide in Africa. It’s great that the SHARP system is now online and serving customers and that it has landed in the UK.”
The 2Africa consortium, comprising eight international partners, including Vodafone Group, is at the forefront of this transformative endeavor. Alcatel Submarine Networks is tasked with the manufacturing and installation of the 2Africa cable, a testament to the collaborative effort driving this monumental project forward.
Vodafone’s extensive experience in subsea cables traces back to its pioneering telegraph cable landing in Porthcurno, Cornwall, in 1870. Today, the company stands as one of the largest investors in subsea cable systems, with capacity on approximately 80 systems spanning 100 countries.
As Vodafone continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the global telecommunications landscape, the successful landing of the 2Africa subsea cable in the UK heralds a new era of enhanced connectivity, fostering socio-economic development and innovation on a global scale.
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