Dhiraagu Cable Network

Overview

The Dhiraagu Cable Network is a submarine cable system spanning 1,253 kilometers within the Maldives. Operational since 2012, the cable connects eight strategically selected landing points across the archipelago. This infrastructure plays a vital role in enhancing communication and data transfer capabilities within the Maldives, a nation composed of over 1,000 islands spread across the Indian Ocean. By linking key locations, the cable network supports the country's economic, social, and governmental activities, ensuring reliable connectivity for its residents and businesses.

As an island nation, the Maldives faces unique challenges in maintaining robust communication networks across its dispersed geography. The Dhiraagu Cable Network addresses these challenges by providing a backbone for telecommunications, enabling improved access to services such as education, healthcare, and e-governance. Its deployment represents a significant step in bridging connectivity gaps within the country and supporting its broader development goals.

Route and Landings

The Dhiraagu Cable Network connects eight landing points across the Maldives, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the nation’s inhabited and economically significant islands. These landing points are:

• Dhangethi
• Eydhafushi
• Fuvahmulah
• Gahdhoo
• Gan
• Hithadhoo
• Hulhumale
• Kulhudhufushi

The cable traverses the shallow waters and coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, connecting islands spread across the Maldives’ northern, central, and southern regions. Hulhumale, located near the capital Malé, serves as a critical hub for national and international communications. Gan and Hithadhoo, situated in the southernmost Addu Atoll, provide connectivity to one of the Maldives’ most populous regions. The inclusion of islands like Kulhudhufushi and Eydhafushi ensures coverage for northern areas, while Fuvahmulah and Gahdhoo address connectivity needs in the central and southern zones.

By linking these islands, the cable network facilitates efficient communication across the Maldives’ dispersed geography, supporting both local and regional integration.

Ownership and History

The Dhiraagu Cable Network is wholly owned by Dhiraagu, the Maldives’ leading telecommunications provider. Dhiraagu has been instrumental in developing the nation’s communication infrastructure, and the submarine cable network represents a cornerstone of its efforts to modernize connectivity within the country. The cable was officially ready for service in 2012, marking a significant milestone in the Maldives’ telecommunications history.

Dhiraagu’s ownership of the cable underscores its commitment to providing reliable and advanced communication services to the Maldives. As the country’s largest telecom operator, Dhiraagu has played a key role in fostering economic growth and social development by enabling better access to information and communication technologies. The cable network complements Dhiraagu’s broader infrastructure, which includes mobile, broadband, and fixed-line services.

Although specific details regarding upgrades or expansions to the Dhiraagu Cable Network are not publicly available, its establishment has undoubtedly strengthened the Maldives’ internal and external communication capabilities.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring of the Dhiraagu Cable Network indicates stable performance across its landing points, with consistent data transfer rates supporting the Maldives’ communication needs. The cable’s design appears well-suited to the region’s geographic and environmental conditions, including shallow waters and coral reef systems. Its deployment has significantly reduced latency for inter-island communication, enabling faster and more reliable data exchange.

Probes show that the cable’s connectivity supports critical services such as government operations, healthcare delivery, and educational initiatives. Additionally, the cable facilitates international communication, allowing businesses and residents to access global markets and services with improved reliability. The network’s role in supporting tourism, a cornerstone of the Maldivian economy, is particularly noteworthy, as it ensures seamless communication for resorts and visitors across the islands.

While the cable’s operational status appears robust, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to address potential challenges posed by the region’s dynamic marine environment, including risks from coral growth, fishing activities, and natural disasters. Overall, the Dhiraagu Cable Network remains a critical asset for the Maldives, enabling connectivity across its dispersed geography.