The Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable consortium has selected Ciena to enhance one of the primary connections between Western Europe and West and South Africa. This initiative aims to upgrade the 17,000-kilometer cable system that currently links 18 landing stations, facilitating improved communications between the continents.
Upgrade Details and Capacity Expansion
The upgrade will incorporate Ciena’s 6500 platform, which utilizes WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) technology to boost the cable’s capacity to over 30 terabits per second. Notably, rather than replacing the existing infrastructure, Ciena plans to deploy WL6e technology on the current submarine line terminal equipment. This approach allows for increased capacity without necessitating complex traffic migrations.
In addition to the upgrades, Ciena will provide ongoing maintenance and support for the network as ACE anticipates increased traffic between Africa and Europe. Philippe Recco, President of the ACE Management Committee, emphasized the significance of international routes in fostering economic growth and digital inclusion across Africa. He noted that the upgrade would deliver high-capacity connectivity to more than 500 million people in the region.
Ciena’s Vice President of Global Subsea, Thomas Soerenson, remarked on the critical nature of this subsea link and the company’s commitment to enhancing existing cable infrastructure. He stated that this partnership will develop a long-term roadmap for technology advancement with minimal operational disruption.
The ACE cable system serves as a vital conduit for data transmission between Africa and Europe, helping to meet growing demands for connectivity in the digital era. As the deployment of new technology progresses, industry stakeholders are optimistic that these enhancements will significantly benefit regional service providers and their customers.
In addition to economic implications, the upgrade is expected to facilitate increased cloud adoption and support digital services across diverse sectors in both regions.
Why It Matters
Enhancing the ACE submarine cable is crucial for strengthening telecommunications between Africa and Europe, promoting economic development, and supporting increased digital engagement in communities across both continents. This initiative is poised to make significant contributions to the accessibility and quality of internet services, a vital element in fostering innovation and connectivity in today’s global landscape.
