Saudi Arabia-Sudan-2 (SAS-2)

Overview

The Saudi Arabia-Sudan-2 (SAS-2) submarine cable is a vital intercontinental fiber-optic system connecting Saudi Arabia and Sudan across the Red Sea. Spanning a total length of 330 kilometers, it was officially ready for service in 2011. The cable provides a critical link between the Middle East and Africa, facilitating data transmission and enhancing connectivity in the region. SAS-2 is part of the broader network of undersea cables that support global communication, serving as a key infrastructure component for both nations.

By linking Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Port Sudan in Sudan, the SAS-2 cable ensures a direct and high-capacity route for telecommunications. This connection is particularly significant for improving internet access, supporting economic activities, and fostering regional collaboration. As a relatively short cable system, SAS-2 plays a specialized role in bridging the two shores of the Red Sea, complementing longer intercontinental cables in the area.

Route and Landings

The SAS-2 cable crosses the Red Sea, connecting the Arabian Peninsula with northeastern Africa. Its landing points are strategically located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Port Sudan, Sudan. Jeddah, situated on the western coast of Saudi Arabia, is a major urban center and port city, serving as a hub for commerce and telecommunications in the kingdom. Meanwhile, Port Sudan, located on Sudan's eastern coast, is the country's primary maritime gateway and a key node for its telecommunications infrastructure.

The route of SAS-2 is geographically significant, as the Red Sea is a crucial corridor for global trade and data transmission. By linking these two cities, the cable facilitates direct communication between the Middle East and Africa, bypassing longer terrestrial routes and reducing latency. This connection is particularly important for Sudan, which relies on submarine cables like SAS-2 to access international data networks and support its growing digital economy.

Ownership and History

The Saudi Arabia-Sudan-2 (SAS-2) cable is jointly owned by Sudatel and center3. Sudatel, based in Sudan, is a major telecommunications provider with a focus on expanding connectivity across the country and the broader African region. Center3, operating from Saudi Arabia, specializes in advanced telecommunication solutions and plays a key role in enhancing Saudi Arabia's digital infrastructure.

SAS-2 became operational in 2011, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity. Its deployment reflects the growing demand for reliable and high-speed data transmission between the Middle East and Africa. The cable complements other regional systems, offering both primary connectivity and redundancy for neighboring networks. Over a decade since its launch, SAS-2 continues to serve as a critical link for telecommunications in the region, though its current operational status has not been publicly updated.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the SAS-2 cable has provided detailed insights into its performance. Measurements across 138 monitored corridors indicate a best round-trip time (RTT) of 130 milliseconds, with an average RTT of 198 milliseconds. These figures are consistent with the cable's relatively short length and its role as a direct link between Saudi Arabia and Sudan.

The performance metrics highlight the efficiency of SAS-2 in reducing latency for data transmission between the two countries. This is particularly important for applications requiring real-time communication, such as financial transactions, cloud services, and video conferencing. The cable's location in the Red Sea also makes it a critical component of the regional submarine cable network, supporting both local and international connectivity. By providing reliable data transfer, SAS-2 contributes to the economic and technological development of both Saudi Arabia and Sudan.