Chetlat: A Remote Coral Island Connected by Submarine Cable
Chetlat Island, part of the Lakshadweep archipelago in India, is a small coral island located 432 km west of Kochi. While its remote location might suggest isolation, the arrival of submarine cable connectivity is set to transform its digital landscape. The
Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands (KLI-SOFC) cable, expected to be ready for service in 2024, will link Chetlat to Kochi and 10 other islands in the region, making it part of a broader network stitching together the Lakshadweep archipelago.
The Role of the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Cable
The KLI-SOFC cable spans 1989 km and exclusively serves domestic points within India. Chetlat is one of the 12 landing points along this cable, joining peers such as
Agatti,
Amini,
Andrott, and
Kavaratti. While major hubs like Mumbai and Chennai boast multiple international cables-18 and 9 respectively-Chetlat and its fellow Lakshadweep islands rely on this single domestic connection. This distinct setup highlights the cable’s importance in providing reliable connectivity to these remote islands.
The cable’s presence ensures that Chetlat is no longer isolated from the mainland's digital infrastructure. Data from GeoCables' latency monitoring reveals an average round-trip latency of 207 ms from Chetlat, with the best observed latency being 79 ms. These figures underscore the potential for improved communication and digital services once the cable becomes operational.
Connectivity in Context
India’s submarine cable infrastructure is extensive, with 21 cables landing at 26 points across the country. However, the Lakshadweep Islands, including Chetlat, represent a unique case. Unlike Mumbai or Chennai, which serve as bustling international gateways, Chetlat’s connection is purely domestic. This setup reflects the cable’s role in integrating remote regions into India’s broader network rather than facilitating global traffic.
Chetlat’s inclusion in the KLI-SOFC cable chain also positions it alongside other islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago, creating a regional network that connects these scattered islands to Kochi, the mainland hub. This regional integration is essential for supporting local needs, from communication to potential economic activities.
A Remote Island on the Digital Map
Chetlat’s coral beauty and remote location are now complemented by its place on India’s digital map. The KLI-SOFC cable will provide the island with a reliable link to Kochi and beyond, enabling faster communication and access to services that were previously out of reach. While the island remains small and remote, its connection to the cable network ensures that it is no longer left behind in the digital age.