Avassa

Overview

The Avassa submarine cable is a regional telecommunications link that connects the islands of Comoros and Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. Spanning a total length of 260 km, the cable was completed and ready for service in 2016. Its primary function is to enhance connectivity between the islands, providing improved internet access and data transmission capabilities for local communities and businesses. The cable is a critical component of the region's digital infrastructure, supporting economic development and communication needs in this part of the world.

Avassa plays a vital role in bridging the digital divide between the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, which are geographically close but separated by the Mozambique Channel. By facilitating reliable and high-speed data transfer, the cable contributes to the socio-economic development of these islands, enabling better access to global information networks and fostering regional integration.

Route and Landings

The Avassa cable has four landing points: Chindini, Moroni, and Mutsamudu in Comoros, and Mamoudzou in Mayotte. These locations were strategically chosen to connect key population and economic centers across the islands. Chindini, situated in the southern part of Grande Comore, serves as a gateway for the island's southern communities, while Moroni, the capital of Comoros, is a hub for government and commerce. Mutsamudu, located on Anjouan island, is another critical landing point due to its role as a regional economic center.

On Mayotte, the cable lands in Mamoudzou, the largest city and administrative capital of the island. Mayotte, a French overseas department, benefits from the cable's connection to Comoros, as it strengthens ties between the islands and provides a robust link to the global telecommunications network. The route crosses the Mozambique Channel, a key maritime corridor in the southwestern Indian Ocean, ensuring connectivity in a region where terrestrial infrastructure is limited due to the archipelagic geography.

Ownership and History

The Avassa submarine cable is owned by a consortium comprising Comores Telecom and STOI. Comores Telecom is the national telecommunications operator for Comoros, responsible for providing a range of communication services to the islands. STOI, a Danish company with expertise in telecommunications, has a presence in both European and African markets, reflecting its role in fostering international connectivity.

The cable was completed and became operational in 2016, marking a significant milestone in the region's telecommunications development. Its deployment was part of broader efforts to improve digital infrastructure in the Indian Ocean, addressing the growing demand for internet services and data capacity. By linking Comoros and Mayotte, the Avassa cable has contributed to regional connectivity and economic integration, supporting the development of digital economies on both islands.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the Avassa submarine cable has identified 124 measured corridors, providing insights into its performance. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) is 68 milliseconds, while the average RTT across all measurements is 199 milliseconds. These metrics indicate the cable's ability to support low-latency communication, which is essential for modern applications such as video conferencing, online education, and cloud-based services.

The performance of the Avassa cable underscores its importance as a reliable and efficient link between Comoros and Mayotte. By enabling faster and more stable data transmission, the cable supports the digital needs of businesses, governments, and residents across the islands. The measured data highlights the cable's role in enhancing the quality of internet services in the region, contributing to improved connectivity and economic opportunities for the local population.