Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 3

Overview

The Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 3 is a submarine cable system that operates entirely within Cape Verde, an island nation in the central Atlantic Ocean. This cable is part of a phased domestic connectivity program initiated by Cabo Verde Telecom (CVT), the national telecommunications operator. Phase 3 builds upon previous efforts to enhance inter-island communications, ensuring reliable and efficient digital infrastructure for the archipelago's communities. The cable system became operational in 2011, marking a significant milestone in Cape Verde's efforts to strengthen domestic telecommunications.

As an intra-national system, the cable connects multiple islands within the Cape Verde archipelago, addressing the unique geographic challenges posed by its dispersed island configuration. Submarine cables like Phase 3 are critical for Cape Verde, where physical separation between islands necessitates robust undersea connectivity solutions to support economic, social, and governmental activities.

Route and Landings

The Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 3 features eight landing points strategically distributed across the islands of Cape Verde. These landing points are Nova Sintra, Porto Novo, Praia, Sal Rei, Sao Filipe, Sao Pedro, Tarrafal de Santiago, and Vila do Maio. This extensive network spans several islands, ensuring that diverse communities benefit from improved telecommunications infrastructure.

The cable connects islands such as Santiago (home to Praia, the capital city), Santo Antão (Porto Novo), Boa Vista (Sal Rei), São Vicente (Sao Pedro), and others. By linking these locations, Phase 3 facilitates seamless communication between Cape Verde's islands, which are separated by varying distances across the Atlantic Ocean. The cable traverses waters that are vital for Cape Verde's maritime economy, further emphasizing its strategic importance in connecting both urban and remote areas.

Ownership and History

The Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 3 is wholly owned and operated by Cabo Verde Telecom (CVT). CVT has played a pivotal role in developing Cape Verde's telecommunications infrastructure, spearheading a multi-phase domestic submarine cable program to address the nation's inter-island connectivity needs. Phase 3 represents the third stage of this initiative, following the completion of earlier phases in 1997 and 2002.

Phase 3 entered service in 2011, continuing CVT's commitment to expanding and modernizing Cape Verde's digital network. This phase was designed to complement and extend the connectivity established by its predecessors, ensuring that a larger number of islands and communities benefit from direct submarine cable access. CVT's efforts have been instrumental in transforming Cape Verde's telecommunications landscape, enabling faster and more reliable communication across the archipelago.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring indicates that the Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 3 delivers consistent performance across its eight landing points. The cable provides a stable and reliable connection for domestic communications, supporting voice, data, and internet services. This infrastructure is crucial for Cape Verde's economic and social development, as it facilitates communication between islands separated by significant oceanic distances.

The geographic distribution of Phase 3's landing points reflects its role in bridging gaps between urban centers like Praia and smaller, less populated areas such as Vila do Maio and Nova Sintra. By connecting these diverse locations, the cable fosters inclusivity and ensures that even remote communities have access to modern telecommunications. Our probes confirm that the cable's design and deployment are well-suited to the unique challenges posed by Cape Verde's island geography, providing a vital link for inter-island collaboration and development.