Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 1

Overview

The Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 1 is a domestic submarine cable system that connects multiple islands within the Cape Verde archipelago. It was deployed to enhance inter-island communications and reduce reliance on older technologies such as satellite and radio links. The system is owned and operated by Cabo Verde Telecom (CVT), the national telecommunications provider, and has been a cornerstone of the country's digital infrastructure since its commissioning in 1997. This cable represents the first step in Cape Verde's journey toward modern submarine connectivity, laying the groundwork for future expansions.

As a domestic cable, Phase 1 exclusively serves Cape Verde, providing vital communication links between its islands. By enabling faster and more reliable data transmission, the cable has played a significant role in fostering socio-economic development in the archipelago. Its deployment marked a turning point in Cape Verde's ability to integrate its dispersed island communities into a unified telecommunications network.

Route and Landings

The Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 1 connects five landing points within Cape Verde: Murdeira (on Sal Island), Praia (on Santiago Island), Sal Rei (on Boa Vista Island), Sao Pedro (on São Vicente Island), and Tarrafal de São Nicolau (on São Nicolau Island). These landings span a diverse range of islands, linking both major population centers and smaller, more remote communities. This strategic distribution ensures that connectivity is not concentrated in one area but is shared across the archipelago.

The route of the cable traverses the Atlantic Ocean waters surrounding Cape Verde, a volcanic island chain located approximately 570 kilometers off the coast of West Africa. The cable's design reflects the geographic and economic priorities of the archipelago, connecting islands that serve as hubs for tourism, commerce, and local governance. By bridging these islands, the cable facilitates better communication, trade, and access to services across Cape Verde's dispersed territories.

Ownership and History

The Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 1 is wholly owned and operated by Cabo Verde Telecom (CVT), the country's primary telecommunications provider. CVT has been instrumental in developing Cape Verde's telecommunications infrastructure, and this cable marked its first foray into submarine systems. Commissioned in 1997, it was the first submarine cable to land in Cape Verde, establishing a domestic network that would later be expanded through additional phases.

Phase 1's success paved the way for subsequent developments in Cape Verde's submarine cable landscape. CVT followed this system with the launch of Phase 2 in 2002 and Phase 3 in 2011, further enhancing intra-archipelago connectivity. These domestic systems were complemented in later years by international cables such as EllaLink (2021) and the Senegal Horn of Africa Regional Express (SHARE) Cable (2023), which connected Cape Verde to global networks. Despite the emergence of these newer systems, Phase 1 remains a critical component of the country's telecommunications infrastructure.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 1 has identified 12 active data corridors within the system. The best round-trip time (RTT) recorded across these corridors is 110 milliseconds, while the average RTT is 190 milliseconds. These measurements indicate a reliable but modestly performing system, reflecting its age and the technological standards of the late 1990s when it was deployed.

The cable's performance is sufficient for basic inter-island communications and supports the needs of local communities. However, its latency and capacity are likely outpaced by newer systems, which offer faster and more robust connectivity. Despite this, the cable remains an essential link for Cape Verde, particularly for islands that may not yet benefit from the newer phases or international cables. Its continued operation underscores its importance in maintaining inter-island communication and connectivity in the archipelago.