Sint Maarten Puerto Rico Network One (SMPR-1)

Sint Maarten Puerto Rico Network One (SMPR-1): Caribbean connectivity

The Sint Maarten Puerto Rico Network One (SMPR-1) is a submarine cable system connecting Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, and Puerto Rico. With a total length of 375 km, it serves as an important telecom link for the northeastern Caribbean region. The cable, which has been in service since 2004 according to GeoCables records, is jointly owned by Dauphin Telecom and TelEm Group, two regional operators.

What stands out about SMPR-1 is the lack of publicly disclosed technical details, including its design capacity, number of fiber pairs, and supplier information. While these omissions are common for smaller regional cable systems, they limit the ability to assess its full capabilities. Additionally, live latency measurements show significant divergence from theoretical physics, highlighting the complexity of real-world internet routing.

Quick facts

Route

SMPR-1 connects three landing points in the Caribbean region: Baie Longue in Saint Martin, Isla Verde in Puerto Rico (United States), and Philipsburg in Sint Maarten. This route spans 375 km and provides inter-island connectivity between territories with distinct governance structures and telecom needs. Baie Longue and Philipsburg serve the dual-island entity of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, while Isla Verde links the system to Puerto Rico, a significant hub for regional and international submarine cables.

Why it was built and what it carries

SMPR-1 was built to enhance telecom infrastructure in the northeastern Caribbean, addressing the growing demand for reliable internet and voice services in the early 2000s. By linking Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, and Puerto Rico, the cable facilitates inter-island communication and provides access to broader international networks via Puerto Rico’s cable landing stations. However, without disclosed technical specifications, it is unclear whether SMPR-1 primarily serves as a high-capacity trunk or a regional access cable.

History: what can be established

GeoCables records indicate that SMPR-1 became ready for service in 2004. Industry sources generally align with this timeline, and no conflicting dates have been identified. The cable’s ownership by Dauphin Telecom and TelEm Group reflects its regional focus, with both operators serving customers in Saint Martin and Sint Maarten. Public information about the cable’s construction, supplier, and initial deployment is scarce, leaving gaps in its historical narrative.

Capacity and technology

Technical details such as design capacity, number of fiber pairs, and supplier are not publicly disclosed for SMPR-1. Without operator documentation, it is impossible to determine the cable’s maximum throughput or the specific technologies employed in its construction. This lack of transparency is not uncommon for smaller regional systems, which often prioritize operational functionality over public reporting of specifications.

Latency: the physics

The theoretical one-way latency for SMPR-1’s 375 km wet segment is approximately 1.8 ms, with a round-trip time (RTT) floor of 3.7 ms. However, live measurements from remote probes show significantly higher RTTs. For example, the minimum RTT between Philipsburg and Isla Verde is 75.4 ms, with an average of 84.0 ms over 41 checks. These discrepancies arise from additional factors such as land tails, terminal equipment, and internet routing paths, which introduce delays beyond the cable’s physical limits.

Measurements involving Baie Longue show even higher RTTs, reflecting the complexity of global internet paths. For instance, the minimum RTT from Sydney to Baie Longue is 346.9 ms, illustrating the cumulative impact of transoceanic and terrestrial routing.

Redundancy: what happens if it breaks

SMPR-1 shares the Isla Verde landing station with several other cables, including Antillas 1, ARCOS, and Taino-Carib. These systems provide redundancy for regional connectivity, ensuring that telecom services can be rerouted in the event of a failure. Standard industry practices for submarine cable repair, such as deploying specialized cable ships and conducting undersea surveys, would apply to SMPR-1. However, repair timelines can vary depending on factors like the severity of the damage and weather conditions.

Bottom line

• SMPR-1 is a 375 km submarine cable connecting Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, and Puerto Rico.
• Owned by Dauphin Telecom and TelEm Group, it has been in service since 2004.
• Technical details such as design capacity and fiber pairs are not publicly disclosed.
• Theoretical latency is approximately 3.7 ms RTT for the wet segment, but live measurements show significantly higher values.
• Redundancy is supported by other cables at Isla Verde, including Antillas 1, ARCOS, and Taino-Carib.