Taino-Carib

Overview

The Taino-Carib submarine cable system is a regional telecommunications link in the Caribbean, spanning a total length of 187 km. Operational since 1992, it connects three landing points, all located within United States territory: two in Puerto Rico and one in the United States Virgin Islands. As one of the earlier submarine cable systems in the region, Taino-Carib plays a critical role in providing connectivity between these geographically proximate but separate island territories. Despite its relatively short length compared to other submarine cables, it has remained an essential infrastructure component for over three decades, facilitating intra-territorial communication in the Caribbean.

Designed for regional connectivity rather than long-haul data transmission, Taino-Carib supports telecommunications needs within a compact geographic corridor. Its enduring operation highlights its importance in maintaining reliable communication links between Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands, two territories with shared economic and social ties.

Route and Landings

Taino-Carib connects three landing points, all situated within United States jurisdiction. In Puerto Rico, the cable lands at Condado Beach and Isla Verde, both located on the island's northeastern coast near the capital, San Juan. These sites are strategically positioned in urban areas with significant demand for telecommunications services. The third landing point is at Magen's Bay in the United States Virgin Islands, a location on the northern coast of Saint Thomas, which is a key hub for regional connectivity in the Virgin Islands.

The route of the Taino-Carib cable traverses the Caribbean Sea, linking Puerto Rico and Saint Thomas, two territories separated by approximately 100 km of open water. This geographic proximity makes the cable an efficient solution for meeting the communication needs of these islands. By connecting these specific locations, Taino-Carib provides a direct and reliable link that supports local businesses, residents, and government operations in both territories.

Ownership and History

Taino-Carib is owned by a consortium of telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Altice USA, CANTV, Cogent, Embratel, Liberty Networks, Orange, and Setar. This diverse ownership reflects the cable's importance not only to United States-based operators but also to regional and international stakeholders. For example, CANTV is Venezuela's leading telecommunications provider, Embratel is a major player in Brazil, and Setar serves as the national operator for Aruba. These entities contribute to the cable's operation and maintenance, ensuring its continued serviceability.

The system became ready for service in 1992, making it one of the earlier submarine cables to serve the Caribbean region. Its deployment coincided with a period of rapid expansion in global submarine cable networks, driven by increasing demand for international and regional connectivity. Over its operational lifespan, Taino-Carib has proven to be a reliable asset, adapting to evolving telecommunications technologies and usage patterns while maintaining its role as a key regional link.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring indicates that Taino-Carib continues to function as a stable and reliable submarine cable system. Despite its age, the cable has maintained consistent performance, underscoring the robustness of its original design and the effectiveness of ongoing maintenance efforts by its owners. The cable's relatively short length and limited number of landing points contribute to its operational simplicity compared to longer, more complex systems.

Geographically, Taino-Carib serves a critical role in bridging the communication gap between Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. Our probes confirm that the cable supports significant data traffic within this intra-territorial corridor, facilitating not only everyday communication but also the exchange of critical information for businesses and government operations. Its enduring operation highlights its importance to the connectivity landscape of the Caribbean, where reliable links are essential for economic and social integration across island territories.