Kanawa

Overview

The Kanawa submarine cable system connects two French overseas territories: French Guiana in South America and Martinique in the Caribbean. Spanning 1,746 kilometers, it provides a direct telecommunications link between these regions, enhancing connectivity in the northeastern coast of South America and the eastern Caribbean. Operated by Orange, Kanawa became ready for service in 2019 and has since been a critical component of the telecommunications infrastructure in the French Caribbean and Guiana region. Its relatively short length compared to other regional cables makes it a focused system designed to serve these two territories efficiently.

Kanawa plays a vital role in supporting the digital needs of French Guiana and Martinique, which rely on robust telecommunications networks for economic, social, and governmental functions. The cable's deployment reflects the growing demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity in these regions, both of which are integral parts of France's overseas territories.

Route and Landings

Kanawa's route connects Kourou in French Guiana to Schoelcher in Martinique. Kourou, located on the northeastern coast of South America, is known for hosting the Guiana Space Center, a major European spaceport. Its selection as a landing point underscores the strategic importance of ensuring reliable connectivity for both local communities and critical international operations in the area. Schoelcher, on the western coast of Martinique, serves as a key landing site for the cable on the island, which is part of the French West Indies. The choice of Schoelcher reflects its proximity to Martinique's population centers and its role in supporting the island's telecommunications infrastructure.

The cable traverses the Atlantic Ocean, crossing a corridor that links South America to the Caribbean. This route is significant for its role in bridging two geographically distinct French territories, enabling direct communication and data transfer between them. The Kanawa system complements other regional cables that connect these territories to broader global networks, ensuring redundancy and enhanced capacity.

Ownership and History

Kanawa is owned and operated by Orange, a French multinational telecommunications company with a strong presence in France's overseas territories. The cable's launch in 2019 marked a milestone for French Guiana, as it was the first submarine cable to land in the territory. This development significantly improved connectivity for French Guiana, which had previously relied on less direct and less robust telecommunications links.

As part of Orange's broader strategy to enhance digital infrastructure in the French Caribbean and Guiana region, Kanawa provides a dedicated link between two territories that are integral to France's overseas presence. The system's deployment reflects a commitment to supporting the economic and social development of these regions through improved telecommunications capabilities. Since its commissioning, Kanawa has contributed to meeting the growing demand for bandwidth and reliable connectivity in French Guiana and Martinique.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of Kanawa reveals that the system operates across 22 measured corridors. The best round-trip time (RTT) recorded is 127 milliseconds, while the average RTT is 145 milliseconds. These figures highlight the cable's efficiency in facilitating data transfer between Kourou and Schoelcher, ensuring low latency for users in both regions.

Kanawa's performance metrics are consistent with its relatively short length compared to other regional submarine cables. The low latency is particularly beneficial for applications requiring real-time communication, such as video conferencing, online education, and cloud-based services. By providing a direct link between French Guiana and Martinique, Kanawa supports seamless connectivity that is critical for the economic and social integration of these territories. The cable's operational reliability and efficiency make it a cornerstone of the region's digital infrastructure.