Trapani-Kelibia 2 (KELTRA-2)

Overview

The Trapani-Kelibia 2 submarine cable, commonly referred to as KELTRA-2, is a 209 km telecommunications link crossing the central Mediterranean Sea. Operational since 2007, this system connects the Italian island of Sicily with Tunisia, providing a direct and reliable data pathway between Europe and North Africa. KELTRA-2 is a bilateral cable system, co-owned by Sparkle, the international arm of Telecom Italia, and Tunisia Telecom, the state-owned telecommunications provider of Tunisia. Its relatively short span and focused route distinguish it from the longer, transcontinental cables that also traverse the Mediterranean region.

Strategically, KELTRA-2 plays a significant role in enhancing connectivity between Italy and Tunisia, two countries with strong economic, cultural, and political ties. By providing a dedicated link across the Strait of Sicily, the cable supports regional telecommunications infrastructure and facilitates cross-border data exchange. This system complements the broader network of submarine cables in the Mediterranean, many of which are designed for intercontinental connectivity.

Route and Landings

The KELTRA-2 cable connects Trapani, located on the western tip of Sicily, with Kelibia, a coastal town on Tunisia’s Cap Bon peninsula. Trapani serves as a key landing point for submarine cables in the central Mediterranean, owing to its strategic location near the Strait of Sicily. Kelibia, on the other hand, is situated on Tunisia’s northeastern coast, in a region known for its proximity to Europe and its historical role as a maritime hub.

The 209 km route of KELTRA-2 crosses the Strait of Sicily, a vital maritime passage that separates the Italian and Tunisian coasts by a relatively narrow stretch of water. This direct connection bypasses the need for longer, more circuitous routes through other parts of the Mediterranean. The cable’s landings at Trapani and Kelibia ensure robust connectivity between these two regions, supporting both local and international telecommunications needs.

Ownership and History

KELTRA-2 is jointly owned by Sparkle and Tunisia Telecom. Sparkle, the international wholesale division of Telecom Italia, manages a wide range of submarine and terrestrial networks across Europe, the Mediterranean, and other regions. Tunisia Telecom, the national telecommunications provider of Tunisia, plays a key role in developing the country’s digital infrastructure. The partnership between these two operators reflects the bilateral nature of the KELTRA-2 system and underscores its importance as a link between Italy and Tunisia.

The cable was officially ready for service in 2007, marking its entry into operation as a dedicated Italy-Tunisia connection. Since then, it has remained a critical component of the regional telecommunications landscape, complementing other submarine systems that serve the Mediterranean. Unlike the long-haul cables that connect multiple continents, KELTRA-2 is focused exclusively on providing direct connectivity between its two landing points.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring of KELTRA-2 has provided detailed insights into its performance. Over 243 measured corridors, the cable has demonstrated a best round-trip time (RTT) of 25 milliseconds and an average RTT of 113 milliseconds. The best-case latency aligns closely with the physical distance of the cable, while the average reflects the real-world conditions of the network, including routing and traffic variations.

The cable’s performance metrics highlight its efficiency as a short-haul connection across the Mediterranean. The low latency is particularly beneficial for applications requiring real-time data transmission, such as financial transactions and voice communications. By maintaining consistent performance, KELTRA-2 supports the growing demand for reliable and high-speed connectivity between Italy and Tunisia, reinforcing its role as a vital link in the regional telecommunications ecosystem.