Italy-Monaco

Overview

The Italy-Monaco submarine cable is a 162-kilometer fiber-optic link connecting Savona, Italy, to Monte Carlo, Monaco. Operational since 1995, this cable serves as a critical component of the regional telecommunications infrastructure, enabling high-speed data transmission between the two nations. Its establishment has enhanced connectivity for both Italy and Monaco, supporting economic, social and technological exchanges. This cable plays a vital role in linking Monaco, a microstate with limited terrestrial connectivity options, to the broader European and global digital networks.

As a relatively short submarine cable, the Italy-Monaco system is designed to meet the specific connectivity needs of these geographically proximate regions. It complements other regional and international cables, contributing to the resilience and redundancy of the telecommunications infrastructure in southern Europe. This connection is particularly important for Monaco, which relies heavily on submarine cables for its international data traffic.

Route and Landings

The Italy-Monaco cable begins in Savona, a port city on the Ligurian coast of Italy. Savona is strategically located near major Italian urban centers and serves as a hub for regional and international connectivity. The cable then traverses the Ligurian Sea, a part of the Mediterranean Sea, to reach Monte Carlo, Monaco. This route is geographically efficient, covering a relatively short distance while connecting two key locations in southern Europe.

Monte Carlo, the landing point in Monaco, is the country's principal administrative and economic center. As Monaco is a small and densely populated nation with limited land area, submarine cables like Italy-Monaco are essential for maintaining robust international communication links. The Ligurian Sea, known for its calm waters and proximity to major Mediterranean ports, provides an ideal environment for laying and maintaining submarine cables. This route ensures a direct and reliable connection between the Italian and Monegasque telecommunications networks.

Ownership and History

The Italy-Monaco submarine cable is jointly owned and operated by Monaco Telecom and Sparkle. Monaco Telecom is the primary telecommunications provider in Monaco, responsible for delivering a wide range of services to the principality's residents and businesses. Sparkle, a subsidiary of the Italian telecommunications giant TIM (Telecom Italia), operates an extensive network of submarine and terrestrial cables across Europe and beyond. Their partnership reflects the strategic importance of this cable in connecting the two nations.

Commissioned in 1995, the Italy-Monaco cable was part of a wave of infrastructure projects in the 1990s aimed at expanding and modernizing Europe's telecommunications networks. Although specific details about upgrades or maintenance activities since its launch are unavailable, the cable remains a key asset in the region's digital ecosystem. Its operational status highlights the enduring relevance of such infrastructure in supporting cross-border data flows.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the Italy-Monaco submarine cable reveals performance metrics across seven measured corridors. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) is 43 milliseconds, while the average RTT is 73 milliseconds. These figures indicate a moderate level of latency, suitable for most standard telecommunications applications. The relatively short physical distance of the cable contributes to its efficient data transmission capabilities.

The performance of the Italy-Monaco cable underscores its importance in maintaining reliable connectivity between Italy and Monaco. While not the fastest in the region, its RTT values align with expectations for a cable of this length and age. The data collected through our probes provides valuable insights into the cable's ongoing role in supporting regional and international communications. This monitoring helps ensure that the cable continues to meet the demands of modern digital traffic.