New submarine cable to connect SA and Réunion

Orange, a digital infrastructure company, is collaborating with various telecoms operators and infrastructure players to construct a new submarine cable that will link the French island of La Réunion directly to South Africa. This initiative aims to bolster the island's international connectivity, enhance network reliability, minimize latency, and diversify regional connectivity pathways.

It also seeks to tackle the aging of existing subsea infrastructure, some of which is nearing the end of its operational lifespan. The consortium behind this project includes Orange, Telco OI, Réunicable, and La Réunion Connectée, with Alcatel Submarine Networks taking charge as the cable system's designer and manufacturer.

Orange assumes the role of 'landing party,' responsible for the physical arrival of the cable on the island and its integration into local networks. This involves handling permits with local authorities, conducting civil engineering works at the landing site, setting up a secure landing station, and linking the submarine cable to the island's digital infrastructure.

With a focus on telecommunications and digital infrastructure, Orange operates in 26 countries, providing consumer services across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and comprehensive wholesale services across 65+ countries and five continents.

The project is currently in its preparatory phase, with upcoming steps encompassing marine surveys, permits, cable manufacturing, and installation. The cable is anticipated to commence operations in 2028. It will feature 16 fibre pairs, each capable of handling 20 terabits per second (Tbps). Orange's installation and maintenance arm, Orange Marine, will oversee the cable's deployment, while Alcatel Submarine Networks will manage its design and manufacturing.

Financial assistance for the Réunion project is being provided by the European Union via the Connecting Europe Facility and the European Regional Development Fund. These funds underscore the EU's dedication to bolstering digital connectivity in overseas territories, recognizing Réunion as a strategically important infrastructure at the European level.

According to Orange, the new cable will significantly enhance La Réunion's digital development and regional growth, addressing increasing traffic demands and the need for network resilience.

For South Africa, the cable offers an additional, more direct international connectivity route to the island, reinforcing the country's position as a regional connectivity hub. It will also contribute to enhanced route diversity and resilience for international communications. Orange is involved in over 40 submarine cables globally, covering approximately 450,000 kilometers of fiber.

The company's expertise spans the design, deployment, and operation of terrestrial networks, submarine cables, and landing stations. Other upcoming subsea initiatives aimed at South Africa comprise Orange's Via Africa, connecting Europe to South Africa; Google's America-India Connect, establishing a direct India-South Africa route; and the forthcoming DARE1 extension from Kenya to South Africa, spearheaded by Djibouti Telecom.