Pacific Caribbean Cable System (PCCS)

Overview

The Pacific Caribbean Cable System (PCCS) is a submarine cable network spanning 6163 km, designed to enhance connectivity between the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. Operational since 2015, the PCCS plays a crucial role in supporting telecommunications infrastructure across the region. By linking several strategic locations, the cable facilitates international data transfer and strengthens cross-border communication networks. While its current operational status or end-of-service date is not publicly documented, the PCCS remains a vital component of regional connectivity.

This cable system is part of a broader effort to improve digital access and reliability for communities in its landing regions. It connects countries and territories with diverse economic profiles, ranging from small island nations to larger economies like the United States and Colombia. The PCCS contributes to bridging gaps in digital infrastructure, supporting both commercial and residential internet services.

Route and Landings

The PCCS features nine landing points, strategically distributed across the Caribbean, Latin America, and the southeastern United States. These include: Balboa and Maria Chiquita in Panama, Cartagena in Colombia, Manta in Ecuador, Hudishibana in Aruba, Mahuma in Curaçao, Tortola in the Virgin Islands (U.K.), San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Jacksonville in Florida, United States. The route crosses the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, connecting coastal and island communities with major economic hubs.

Each landing point serves a unique role in the cable's network. For instance, Balboa in Panama is a critical node due to its proximity to the Panama Canal, a global trade artery. Cartagena, Colombia, is a historic port city and a growing center for technology and commerce. Aruba and Curaçao, small island nations, act as regional hubs for telecommunications. Manta, Ecuador, connects the cable to South America's Pacific coast, while Jacksonville and San Juan provide access to the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico, respectively. Tortola, in the Virgin Islands (U.K.), extends connectivity to smaller island territories.

Ownership and History

The PCCS is owned by a consortium of telecommunications companies: Liberty Networks, Setar, Telconet, Telxius, and United Telecommunication Services (UTS). This collaborative ownership model reflects the shared interest in maintaining robust connectivity across the regions served by the cable. The consortium members represent diverse stakeholders, from local operators in Aruba and Curaçao to multinational firms with broader market reach.

Commissioned in 2015, the PCCS was developed to address growing demand for bandwidth and reliable internet services in the Caribbean and Latin America. Its construction marked a significant investment in regional telecommunications infrastructure, enabling faster data transfer and improved network resilience. The cable has since supported economic and social development by facilitating digital inclusion and international communication.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the PCCS reveals 224 measured corridors within the network. The cable demonstrates strong performance, with the best round-trip time (RTT) recorded at 63 milliseconds and an average RTT of 120 milliseconds. These metrics indicate efficient data transfer across its nodes, supporting low-latency communication for users in the connected regions.

The performance of the PCCS is particularly noteworthy given the geographic challenges it addresses. By spanning vast oceanic distances and connecting diverse coastal and island locations, the cable provides critical infrastructure for regions with limited terrestrial alternatives. Its low RTT values are essential for applications requiring real-time communication, such as financial transactions and video conferencing. The PCCS's consistent performance underscores its importance in maintaining reliable connectivity across the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States.