ROMSAR 2

Overview

ROMSAR 2 is a submarine cable system designed to provide domestic connectivity within Italy. Operational since 1996, the cable links the Italian mainland with key island and coastal locations in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its route spans a segment of the western Mediterranean, serving as a vital infrastructure for intra-Italian communication. Unlike international cables that connect Italy to other countries, ROMSAR 2 focuses exclusively on linking Italian communities, particularly those on islands and remote coastal regions, ensuring reliable communication and data transfer within the nation.

This cable plays a crucial role in bridging the Italian mainland with islands such as Sardinia and Giglio, enhancing local connectivity and supporting regional development. Its deployment reflects Italy’s early investment in domestic submarine cable systems to meet the growing demand for telecommunications and data services in geographically dispersed areas.

Route and Landings

ROMSAR 2 connects four landing points, all located within Italy. On the mainland, the cable terminates at Civitavecchia, a prominent port city on the Tyrrhenian coast north of Rome. Known for its maritime significance, Civitavecchia serves as a gateway for communication and trade between the mainland and Italy’s islands.

The cable also lands at Sassari, a city in northern Sardinia, which is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. Sassari is a regional hub for commerce and culture, making its inclusion in the cable’s route strategically important. Additionally, ROMSAR 2 connects to Giglio, a small island in the Tuscan Archipelago, and La Maddalena, an island off the northeastern coast of Sardinia. Giglio’s remote location and La Maddalena’s proximity to Sardinia highlight the cable’s role in linking smaller, less accessible communities to the mainland.

By traversing the Tyrrhenian Sea, ROMSAR 2 ensures reliable communication across diverse geographic terrains, from mainland Italy to its islands. This route underscores the importance of submarine cables in overcoming natural barriers like seas and archipelagos, fostering connectivity and integration within the country.

Ownership and History

ROMSAR 2 is owned and operated by Sparkle, the international carrier subsidiary of Telecom Italia. Sparkle is a major player in the Mediterranean telecommunications landscape, with a portfolio of submarine cables that extends beyond Italy to connect Europe, Africa, and Asia. The ownership of ROMSAR 2 reflects Sparkle’s commitment to maintaining robust domestic infrastructure alongside its international operations.

The cable was ready for service in 1996, making it one of the earlier submarine systems deployed in Italy. Its operational longevity-spanning nearly three decades-demonstrates the durability and continued relevance of submarine cable technology in meeting domestic connectivity needs. ROMSAR 2 was established during a period of significant growth in global telecommunications, and its deployment marked an important step in Italy’s efforts to enhance internal communication links.

While Sparkle is better known for its international cables, ROMSAR 2 highlights the company’s role in addressing Italy’s domestic connectivity requirements, particularly for island and coastal communities that rely on submarine infrastructure for reliable data and voice services.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of ROMSAR 2 reveals consistent performance across its 216 measured corridors. The cable achieves a best round-trip time (RTT) of 0 milliseconds, indicative of optimal conditions in certain segments of the network. The average RTT of 134 milliseconds reflects the cable’s role in providing reliable intra-Italian connectivity, balancing latency across diverse geographic endpoints.

The measurements highlight the cable’s efficiency in linking mainland Italy with Sardinia, Giglio, and La Maddalena. These locations, separated by the Tyrrhenian Sea, benefit from the cable’s ability to maintain stable communication despite the challenges posed by maritime and island geography. The data underscores ROMSAR 2’s importance as a domestic infrastructure asset, ensuring seamless communication for communities that might otherwise face connectivity limitations.

Overall, ROMSAR 2’s performance metrics affirm its ongoing utility in supporting Italy’s internal telecommunications network. The cable’s ability to maintain low latency and reliable service over decades of operation reinforces its significance in the nation’s digital ecosystem.