Dhangethi, Maldives

Dhangethi: A Small Island with Big Connectivity

Dhangethi, a picturesque island in the Maldives, is home to two submarine cable landings that play a significant role in connecting this tropical nation. While it may not boast the cable density of larger hubs like Hulhumale (with seven cables) or Eydhafushi (with three cables), Dhangethi’s two cables ensure reliable communication and data transfer both within the Maldives and across its many islands.

Two Domestic Cables Supporting Island Life

The first cable landing at Dhangethi is the Dhiraagu Cable Network, operational since 2012. This 1253 km cable forms part of a chain connecting eight landing points across the Maldives, including major hubs like Gan and Hithadhoo in the south and Kulhudhufushi in the north. This network is instrumental in stitching together the scattered islands of the Maldives, enabling seamless communication and internet access across the archipelago. The second cable, the Domestic Submarine Cable of Maldives (DSCoM), is a more recent addition, set to be ready for service in 2024. At 286 km, this cable is shorter but equally significant for local connectivity. It links Dhangethi to seven other landing points, including Maafushi and Maamigili, ensuring that smaller islands like Dhangethi stay connected to the broader domestic network.

How Dhangethi Fits into the National Cable Network

Dhangethi’s two cables are domestic, meaning they do not directly connect to international destinations. Instead, they integrate into the Maldives’ broader cable network, which includes 10 submarine cables across 17 landing points. Larger hubs like Hulhumale act as gateways for international connectivity, while smaller points like Dhangethi focus on ensuring robust local communication. Despite its modest size, Dhangethi’s connectivity is reliable. GeoCables’ latency measurements show an average round-trip latency of 159 ms to this landing point, with the best observed latency being an impressive 0 ms. This performance underscores the efficiency of the domestic infrastructure supporting Dhangethi.

Connectivity for Island Life

For a remote island like Dhangethi, reliable submarine cable connections are essential for daily life. From supporting local businesses to enabling communication with other islands, these cables ensure that Dhangethi remains an active participant in the Maldives’ interconnected economy. While larger hubs handle international traffic, Dhangethi’s cables focus on maintaining strong ties within the nation.

A Link in the Chain

Dhangethi may not have the cable density of Hulhumale or the strategic position of Male, but its role in the national cable network is clear. As one of the 17 landing points in the Maldives, it contributes to the seamless flow of data across the islands. Whether connecting to the Dhiraagu Cable Network or the DSCoM, Dhangethi ensures that even smaller islands remain connected to the nation’s growing digital infrastructure.