Red2Med

Overview

Red2Med is a domestic submarine cable system located entirely within Egypt. It spans approximately 420 kilometers, connecting four strategic landing points along the country's Red Sea and Suez Canal coastline. The cable provides a subsea link between Egypt's Mediterranean-facing northern terminus at Port Said and key locations along the Red Sea, including Suez, Ras Ghareb, and Zafarana. By bridging the Red Sea and Mediterranean ends of the Suez corridor, Red2Med enhances Egypt's internal connectivity and complements its position as a global telecommunications hub.

Unlike Egypt's numerous international submarine cable systems, which connect continents, Red2Med operates exclusively within national borders. Its domestic scope underscores its role as a critical component of Egypt's internal telecommunications infrastructure, supporting local and regional data traffic. The cable became operational in 2023, making it one of the newest additions to Egypt's extensive cable network.

Route and Landings

Red2Med connects four landing points, all situated within Egypt. At its northern end, the cable lands in Port Said, located on the Mediterranean coast near the entrance to the Suez Canal. This city serves as a key gateway for maritime and data traffic between the Mediterranean and the canal. At the southern terminus of the Suez Canal, the cable lands in the city of Suez, a critical junction for both maritime and telecommunications infrastructure.

Along the Red Sea coast, the cable has landing points at Ras Ghareb and Zafarana. Ras Ghareb is a prominent coastal town known for its energy and industrial activities, while Zafarana is strategically located near key infrastructure supporting Egypt's Red Sea operations. Together, these landing points form a robust domestic corridor, linking Egypt's Red Sea coastline with its Mediterranean terminus through a subsea route. This configuration provides a reliable alternative to terrestrial connectivity between these regions.

Ownership and History

Red2Med is wholly owned and operated by Telecom Egypt, the national telecommunications provider. As the sole owner, Telecom Egypt manages the cable's operations, capacity, and maintenance without the involvement of a consortium or external partners. This ownership structure allows for streamlined management and ensures that the cable's capacity is fully aligned with Egypt's domestic telecommunications needs.

The cable was commissioned and entered service in 2023, marking its debut as a modern addition to Egypt's cable infrastructure. Its deployment reflects Telecom Egypt's commitment to strengthening the country's internal network and enhancing connectivity along its critical coastal regions. The cable's domestic focus distinguishes it from the many international submarine systems that transit through Egypt, emphasizing its role in supporting national rather than intercontinental data traffic.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring of the Red2Med cable system confirms its operational status and highlights its role in bolstering domestic connectivity within Egypt. The cable's subsea route provides a reliable and secure alternative to terrestrial networks, particularly in regions where overland infrastructure may face challenges such as congestion or environmental risks. By linking Port Said, Suez, Ras Ghareb, and Zafarana, Red2Med ensures high-capacity data transfer between these key locations.

The cable's performance metrics indicate stability and efficiency, with minimal latency observed between its landing points. This is particularly significant given the strategic importance of the Suez Canal region, where reliable telecommunications are essential for both local and international operations. Red2Med's configuration complements Egypt's broader telecommunications ecosystem, which includes numerous international cables, by reinforcing the internal network fabric that supports the country's role as a global transit hub.