Snaw-naw-as, BC: A Small Link in a Big Chain
Snaw-naw-as, British Columbia, is a quiet landing point for Canada's
Connected Coast submarine cable, set to go live in 2024. While it may seem unassuming, this point plays a role in stitching together the vast and remote coastal communities of British Columbia. With 107 landing points on this cable, Snaw-naw-as is part of an ambitious effort to bring connectivity to places that have long been underserved.
The Connected Coast Cable
The Connected Coast cable is entirely domestic, linking communities along the rugged coastline of British Columbia. Unlike major hubs such as Vancouver or Halifax, which host multiple cables and serve as gateways to international networks, Snaw-naw-as is focused on regional connectivity. The cable here does not extend beyond Canada’s borders, but its importance lies in connecting smaller communities to larger regional and national networks.
This cable also lands at locations like Addenbroke Island, Bamfield, and Bella Bella, many of which are isolated and rely on this infrastructure to access modern digital services. Snaw-naw-as is one of the 155 submarine cable landing points in Canada, and with only one cable, it ranks in the top 97% of these points by cable count. It may not be a hub, but it is a key piece of the puzzle for coastal connectivity.
Latency Performance
GeoCables’ latency measurements reveal solid performance for Snaw-naw-as. From 20 completed checks across eight source cities, the average round-trip latency is 140 milliseconds, with the best observed latency at 104 milliseconds. These numbers are promising for a cable serving remote communities, ensuring that residents and businesses can access reliable internet speeds for communication, streaming, and other digital needs.
Regional Context
Compared to larger landing points like Vancouver or Prince Rupert, which host two cables each, Snaw-naw-as is modest in scale. However, its role is complementary rather than competitive. It connects to a chain of smaller landing points, ensuring that even the most remote areas can benefit from modern connectivity. The Connected Coast cable is a lifeline for these communities, tying them into the broader digital ecosystem of Canada.
Why Snaw-naw-as Matters
Snaw-naw-as exemplifies the importance of regional connectivity in Canada’s vast geography. While it may not host international cables or serve as a major hub, its inclusion in the Connected Coast network brings essential services to the area. For residents, businesses, and local institutions, this cable represents access to opportunities that were previously out of reach.
As the Connected Coast cable becomes operational in 2024, Snaw-naw-as will take its place as a small but significant link in a network that spans hundreds of kilometers and dozens of communities. It’s a reminder that even the smallest landing points can have a big impact when they connect people to the world.