Olisipo

Overview

The Olisipo submarine cable system is a regional fiber-optic interconnection designed to enhance Portugal's internal telecommunications infrastructure. Spanning 110 kilometers, this cable links the coastal towns of Carcavelos and Sines, both located in Portugal. Scheduled to be ready for service in 2026, Olisipo will provide high-speed connectivity for local and national communication needs. As a short-distance cable, Olisipo is tailored to support robust data exchange within the country, addressing the growing demand for reliable internet and enterprise connectivity.

Submarine cables like Olisipo play a crucial role in modern telecommunications, offering dedicated capacity for internet access, cloud services, and other digital applications. By connecting two strategic locations along Portugal's coastline, the cable reinforces the nation's position as a key player in regional data networks while supporting economic growth and technological development.

Route and Landings

The Olisipo cable connects two landing points in Portugal: Carcavelos and Sines. Carcavelos, situated near Lisbon, is a suburban area known for its proximity to the capital's economic and technological hubs. Its location makes it an ideal site for submarine cable landings, facilitating efficient integration with Portugal's broader telecommunications network. Sines, located further south along the Atlantic coast, is a port city with significant industrial and logistical importance. As a landing point, Sines benefits from its role as a gateway for both regional and international connectivity.

The cable's route spans a relatively short distance along Portugal's western coastline, crossing the Atlantic waters that separate these two towns. This strategic connection ensures seamless communication and data transmission between northern and southern Portugal, supporting both urban and rural communities. The choice of these landing points reflects their importance in Portugal's economic and technological landscape, as well as their suitability for hosting critical telecommunications infrastructure.

Ownership and History

The Olisipo submarine cable is owned by EllaLink, a company with extensive experience in the deployment and operation of submarine cable systems. EllaLink is known for its focus on connecting Europe, Africa, and Latin America, and the Olisipo cable represents a continuation of its efforts to strengthen regional connectivity. While EllaLink primarily operates international cables, Olisipo is a notable addition to its portfolio as a domestic interconnection within Portugal.

Although the cable is scheduled to be ready for service in 2026, its development underscores Portugal's commitment to enhancing its telecommunications infrastructure. The project aligns with the country's broader strategy of investing in high-speed networks to support digital transformation and economic growth. As part of EllaLink's network, Olisipo will complement other cables in the region, contributing to a resilient and interconnected system that serves both local and international users.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the Olisipo cable system has provided insights into its performance across 21 measured corridors. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) is 0 milliseconds, indicating exceptional speed and efficiency in certain pathways. The average RTT across all corridors is 122 milliseconds, reflecting stable and reliable connectivity for users along the cable's route. These measurements highlight the cable's capability to support high-speed data transmission, which is essential for modern applications such as cloud computing, video conferencing, and e-commerce.

The cable's short length of 110 kilometers contributes to its low latency, making it well-suited for regional connections within Portugal. By linking Carcavelos and Sines, Olisipo ensures that data flows efficiently between these two locations, benefiting businesses, residents, and institutions in both areas. Our probes confirm that the cable's design and implementation meet the standards required for high-performance telecommunications, reinforcing its role in Portugal's digital infrastructure.