Mauritius and Rodrigues Submarine Cable System (MARS)

Overview

The Mauritius and Rodrigues Submarine Cable System (MARS) is a regional submarine telecommunications cable connecting the main island of Mauritius to Rodrigues Island. Spanning a total length of 677 kilometers, the cable provides a critical link for enhancing digital connectivity and communication infrastructure within Mauritius. MARS was completed and became operational in 2019, offering improved internet access, data transmission, and enterprise connectivity between the two islands. The system is owned and operated solely by Mauritius Telecom, the national telecommunications provider. MARS plays a vital role in bridging the digital divide between Mauritius and Rodrigues, supporting the economic and social development of both regions.

Route and Landings

The MARS cable system begins at Baie Jacotet on the main island of Mauritius and terminates at Grand Baie on Rodrigues Island, both of which are part of the Republic of Mauritius. Baie Jacotet, located on the southern coast of Mauritius, is a strategic landing site for multiple international and regional cables, serving as a hub for the island's telecommunications infrastructure. Its proximity to major urban centers and business districts makes it an ideal location for facilitating international and domestic connectivity.

Grand Baie, situated on the northern coast of Rodrigues Island, serves as the cable's endpoint. Rodrigues, located approximately 560 kilometers to the east of Mauritius, is a smaller island with a population of around 40,000. The cable's landing in Grand Baie provides the island with a direct and reliable connection to the main island, significantly enhancing its access to high-speed internet and modern communication services. The route of the cable traverses the Indian Ocean, navigating a relatively shallow seabed, which simplifies maintenance and reduces installation challenges.

Ownership and History

The Mauritius and Rodrigues Submarine Cable System is wholly owned and operated by Mauritius Telecom, the primary telecommunications provider in the country. Mauritius Telecom has played a central role in developing the nation's digital infrastructure, and the deployment of the MARS cable is a testament to its commitment to improving connectivity within the archipelago. The cable was completed and declared ready for service in 2019, marking a significant milestone in Mauritius' efforts to modernize its telecommunications network.

The decision to invest in a dedicated cable link between Mauritius and Rodrigues reflects the strategic importance of providing equitable access to digital services across the country's islands. Prior to the deployment of MARS, Rodrigues relied on satellite connectivity, which was more expensive and offered limited bandwidth. The introduction of MARS has dramatically improved the quality and affordability of telecommunications services on Rodrigues, fostering economic growth and social inclusion.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring of the Mauritius and Rodrigues Submarine Cable System indicates that it operates reliably, with consistent data transmission speeds and low latency. The cable has significantly enhanced the capacity and resilience of telecommunications between Mauritius and Rodrigues, reducing the dependency on satellite links and enabling a more robust and scalable infrastructure. This improvement has had a direct impact on the quality of internet services available to residents and businesses on Rodrigues Island.

The MARS cable's performance underscores its importance in supporting critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and tourism. For example, schools and universities in Rodrigues now have improved access to online resources, while healthcare providers can leverage telemedicine services to connect with specialists on the main island. Additionally, the tourism industry, a key economic driver for both islands, benefits from the enhanced digital connectivity provided by MARS. The cable's operational stability and capacity have positioned it as a cornerstone of Mauritius' telecommunications network, fostering greater integration and development across the archipelago.