Smith Island, BC, Canada

Smith Island, BC: A Quiet Connector in Canada's Submarine Cable Network

Smith Island, nestled off the coast of British Columbia, is one of 155 landing points for submarine cables in Canada. Though it hosts just one cable, Connected Coast, this small island plays a meaningful role in linking remote communities along the rugged coastline of British Columbia. With the cable set to be ready for service in 2024, Smith Island is part of a broader effort to bring reliable connectivity to underserved areas.

The Connected Coast Cable: Stitching Together BC's Remote Communities

The Connected Coast cable is an ambitious project designed to connect 108 landing points across British Columbia. From Smith Island, the cable stretches to nearby peers like Addenbroke Island and Bella Bella, and further afield to Campbell River and Bamfield. Unlike international cables that link countries, Connected Coast is entirely domestic, focusing on regional connectivity within Canada. This cable serves as a critical link for remote locations that have long relied on slower or less reliable terrestrial networks. Smith Island’s inclusion in this chain highlights its geographic role rather than its size or prominence. The cable here does not directly connect to major hubs like Vancouver or Prince Rupert, which host multiple cables. Instead, Smith Island is one node in a vast network designed to ensure that even the smallest communities can access modern connectivity.

Latency Measurements: Reliable Performance for Remote Areas

GeoCables has conducted extensive latency tests to Smith Island, recording an average round-trip latency of 173 milliseconds, with the best observed at 103 milliseconds. These measurements reflect the efficiency of the Connected Coast cable in delivering stable connectivity to remote locations. While not as fast as connections to urban centers, this latency is a significant improvement for communities that previously faced higher delays or limited options.

Why Smith Island Matters

Smith Island may not boast the industrial or academic clout of larger landing points like Vancouver or Halifax, but its role in the Connected Coast project underscores a broader mission: ensuring that even the most remote corners of British Columbia have access to the digital world. For residents and businesses in these isolated areas, this cable represents a tangible step toward better communication, economic opportunities, and access to essential services. As the Connected Coast cable becomes operational, Smith Island will join a network that spans the province, linking communities that rely on fishing, tourism, and small-scale industries. Though unassuming, this landing point is a reminder that connectivity is not just about major cities-it is about bringing the benefits of the internet to everyone, no matter where they live.