Connected Coast

Overview

The Connected Coast submarine cable system is a domestic telecommunications network designed to serve British Columbia (BC), Canada. Scheduled to be ready for service in 2024, this extensive cable system aims to improve connectivity across the province, particularly in remote and underserved coastal and island communities. By providing high-speed internet access to these areas, the project seeks to bridge the digital divide and foster economic and social development. The cable spans a vast and geographically complex region, reflecting BC's rugged coastline, dense forests, and scattered island communities. It is a critical infrastructure project for enhancing digital equity in one of Canada’s most ecologically and geographically diverse provinces.

The Connected Coast network is expected to play a transformative role in providing reliable digital infrastructure to areas that have traditionally faced challenges in accessing modern telecommunications services. This project underscores the importance of connectivity in supporting education, healthcare, and business opportunities in remote regions.

Route and Landings

The Connected Coast submarine cable system features an extensive network of landing points, connecting over 140 locations along the coastline of British Columbia. These landings include a mix of islands, remote communities, and coastal towns. Notable landing points include Addenbroke Island, Alert Bay, Bella Bella, Campbell River, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, and Vancouver. The cable also serves smaller and more isolated locations such as Wuikinuxv, Kyuquot, and Winter Harbour.

The route of the cable traverses the intricate waterways of the Pacific Northwest, including the Salish Sea, Queen Charlotte Sound, and the Inside Passage. This region is characterized by its fjords, inlets, and archipelagos, making the cable's deployment both a technical and logistical challenge. The choice of landing points reflects the need to connect communities that currently lack robust internet access, many of which are accessible only by boat or seaplane. By linking these areas, the cable will provide a vital lifeline for communication and digital services, supporting local economies and improving quality of life.

Ownership and History

The Connected Coast submarine cable system is owned and operated by the Connected Coast Network Partnership. This partnership was established to address the pressing need for improved digital connectivity in British Columbia’s remote and underserved regions. The project aligns with broader provincial and national initiatives aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and bridging the digital divide in Canada.

The cable's development represents a significant investment in the future of British Columbia’s coastal and island communities. While the system is set to be operational in 2024, its planning and construction have required extensive collaboration among local governments, Indigenous communities, and private stakeholders. The project is part of a larger movement to provide equitable access to digital resources, which are increasingly essential for education, healthcare, and economic participation in the modern world.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the Connected Coast cable system has provided valuable insights into its performance. The network includes 234 measured corridors, reflecting the complexity and reach of its design. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) for data transmission is 155 milliseconds, with an average RTT of 203 milliseconds. These measurements indicate a robust and reliable system capable of supporting a wide range of digital services, even in the most remote areas.

The cable’s performance metrics are particularly significant given the challenging geography of British Columbia. The system must navigate underwater terrain, strong tidal currents, and variable weather conditions. Despite these challenges, the cable’s design ensures low latency and high reliability, making it a critical piece of infrastructure for the region. These performance characteristics will enable communities to access modern digital services, from telemedicine and online education to e-commerce and remote work opportunities.