ARIMAO

Overview

The ARIMAO submarine cable system spans 2,470 kilometers across the Caribbean Sea, directly connecting Cuba and Martinique. This cable establishes a vital telecommunications link between the Greater Antilles and the eastern Caribbean, enhancing regional connectivity. ARIMAO became operational in 2023, making it one of the newest additions to the network of submarine cables in the area. Its deployment represents a significant step in improving communication infrastructure for both Cuba and Martinique, supporting economic and technological development in these regions.

As a direct connection between Cienfuegos in Cuba and Schoelcher in Martinique, ARIMAO serves as a key corridor for data transmission. The cable supports the growing demand for reliable and high-capacity internet services in both territories, which are integral to their economic and social progress. By bridging these two islands, ARIMAO contributes to regional integration and facilitates improved access to global networks.

Route and Landings

ARIMAO connects two strategic landing points in the Caribbean. On the northern end, the cable lands in Cienfuegos, a port city on the southern coast of Cuba. Cienfuegos, known for its colonial architecture and economic significance, is an important hub for trade and communication within Cuba. The cable's landing here extends the country's submarine cable infrastructure to its southern coastline, complementing existing connections on the northern and eastern coasts.

On the southern end, ARIMAO lands in Schoelcher, a coastal town on the western side of Martinique, near the capital city of Fort-de-France. Schoelcher is a well-established location for submarine cable landings, benefiting from Martinique's status as an overseas territory of France, which ensures robust telecommunications infrastructure. The cable's route across the Caribbean Sea traverses deep waters and navigates a complex seabed, reflecting the engineering challenges of laying submarine cables in this region.

Ownership and History

ARIMAO is jointly owned by Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba (ETECSA), Cuba's state-run telecommunications operator, and Orange, a French multinational telecommunications company. Orange has a significant presence in the Caribbean, particularly in Martinique, where it operates as part of France's overseas territories. This partnership leverages the strengths of both entities: ETECSA's role as Cuba's primary telecom provider and Orange's extensive experience in submarine cable operations and regional connectivity.

The cable was officially ready for service in 2023, marking a milestone in Cuba's efforts to expand its international telecommunications links. ARIMAO is part of a broader trend of enhancing connectivity in the Caribbean, where submarine cables play a critical role in supporting economic development, digital transformation and international communication. The collaboration between ETECSA and Orange underscores the strategic importance of this cable for both Cuba and Martinique.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the ARIMAO cable system reveals its performance across 24 measured corridors. The best round-trip time (RTT) recorded is an impressive 1 millisecond, while the average RTT stands at 192 milliseconds. These metrics highlight the cable's efficiency in facilitating data transmission between Cuba and Martinique, as well as its potential to handle high-capacity traffic.

The ARIMAO cable's performance is particularly significant given the limited number of submarine cables currently serving Cuba. By providing a direct link to Martinique, the cable enhances Cuba's connectivity to the global telecommunications network. Additionally, the cable's landing in Schoelcher positions it within a region already well-integrated into international networks, further strengthening its strategic role in the Caribbean. The data collected through our probes underscores the importance of ARIMAO as a reliable and high-performing infrastructure in this vital corridor.