Optical & Fixed Networks

Algerie Telecom and Sparkle plan cable linking Italy and Algeria

Algerie Telecom and Sparkle plan cable linking Italy and Algeria

Algerian operator Algerie Telecom, which offers a wide range of fixed-line, internet and enterprise solutions and Sparkle, an Italian international service provider, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of a new subsea cable linking Italy and Algeria.

As part of the terms of the MoU, Sparkle and Algerie Telecom aim not only to develop the submarine cable but to provide related value-added services in cybersecurity and cloud computing, technical support for data centre development and training across key technical areas. They also promise a point of presence in Europe fully dedicated to Algerie Telecom.

The cable itself is expected to provide a high-capacity route to Europe, delivering enhanced performance, ultra-low latency, and full redundancy compared to existing infrastructures. 

While it’s probably too early to expect details on the full capabilities of the new cable or the other potential partners involved, there was no shortage of ceremony involved in the actual signing of the agreement, which was announced during the sixth Italy-Algeria Business Forum held recently in Rome, in the presence of the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and of the President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Adel Bentoumi, CEO of Algérie Télécom, said after the signing: “We believe that this project will play a key role in diversifying our international routes and in meeting the increasing needs of our customers across Algeria.”

This is the second big subsea cable announcement from Sparkle in as many months. It’s only been a short while since the news, reported here, of a consortium of four subsea cable operators, Zain Omantel International (ZOI), PCCW Global, Sparkle, and Telecom Egypt, signing an MoU to collaborate on the construction of the Asia-Africa-Europe-2 (AAE-2) subsea cable system.

 



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