BERYTAR

Overview

BERYTAR is a submarine cable system spanning 134 kilometers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, directly linking Lebanon and Syria. Commissioned in 1997, it was designed to provide a dedicated telecommunications connection between the two neighboring countries. The cable connects Lebanon through three landing points along its coastline and terminates in Syria at a single landing station. As a bilateral system, BERYTAR plays a strategic role in fostering communication and data exchange between the two nations, reflecting their close geographical and historical ties.

While relatively short compared to many transcontinental submarine cables, BERYTAR serves as a vital regional link. Its design and deployment emphasize interconnectivity within the eastern Mediterranean, supporting both domestic and cross-border telecommunications for Lebanon and Syria. The system is jointly owned and operated by the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications and the Syrian Telecommunications Establishment, underscoring its role as a state-led infrastructure project.

Route and Landings

The BERYTAR cable connects four landing points, three in Lebanon and one in Syria. In Lebanon, the cable lands at Beirut, the country's capital and economic hub; Saida, a historic port city located to the south; and Tripoli, a major northern city and port. This distribution along the Lebanese coastline ensures that the cable provides connectivity to a wide range of urban and coastal communities, enhancing its utility for both domestic and international communication.

On the Syrian side, BERYTAR terminates at Tartous, a key port city on the Mediterranean coast. Tartous is one of Syria's primary gateways to maritime trade and international connectivity, making it a logical choice for the cable’s Syrian landing point. The route of the cable crosses the eastern Mediterranean Sea, a relatively shallow and geologically stable area, which is conducive to submarine cable deployment. The system’s design ensures redundancy and accessibility by connecting multiple Lebanese cities to Syria’s telecommunications network.

Ownership and History

BERYTAR is jointly owned by the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications and the Syrian Telecommunications Establishment. Both entities are state-run organizations, reflecting the public-sector-driven approach to telecommunications infrastructure in the region during the late 20th century. The cable became operational in 1997, marking a significant step in regional connectivity at the time. Its establishment was part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation between Lebanon and Syria, particularly in the realm of telecommunications.

Since its commissioning, BERYTAR has remained a critical component of the regional telecommunications infrastructure. Despite its relatively modest length, the cable has provided a reliable link for data and voice communication between the two countries. The absence of publicly available information on the cable’s capacity, fiber pair count, or specific technological features reflects the era in which it was built, when such details were less commonly disclosed.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of BERYTAR has recorded data from 293 measured corridors, providing insights into the cable’s performance. The best round-trip time (RTT) observed is 0 milliseconds, although the average RTT over the measured period is 127 milliseconds. These figures suggest that while the cable is capable of low-latency communication, its performance may vary depending on network conditions and traffic loads.

Compared to other submarine cables in the region, BERYTAR’s short length and direct route contribute to its relatively low latency. However, its age and the absence of modern upgrades may influence its average performance metrics. Despite this, the cable continues to serve as an essential link between Lebanon and Syria, supporting both countries’ telecommunications needs and fostering regional connectivity in the eastern Mediterranean.