Unveiling the World's Longest Underwater Internet Cables: The Unseen Backbone of Global Connectivity
In the wake of the recent damage to the C-Lion1 cable in the Baltic Sea, attention has turned to the vital role underwater cables play in facilitating global communication. While the 1,172km C-Lion1 is significant, it pales in comparison to the world's longest underwater telecommunication cables.
Here are six notable examples:
1. 2Africa: The Future of Global Connectivity
Scheduled for completion by 2024, this 45,000km cable will stretch from Europe to the Middle East, circumnavigating Africa's coast.
2. SEA-ME-WE3: The Current Record Holder
Spanning 39,000km, this cable connects Germany to Australia, Japan, and South Korea, traversing the Mediterranean, Red, and Indian Oceans.
3. FLAG: A 28,000km Fibre-Optic Marvel
Following a similar route to SEA-ME-WE3, this cable links the UK to Japan, bypassing Australia.
4. AAE-1: Connecting Europe to Southeast Asia
This 25,000km cable bridges Europe and Southeast Asia via the Middle East.
Stretching 28,900km, this cable connects the US to Australia and New Zealand.
6. SAT-3/WASC: Bridging Europe and Africa:
This 13,000km cable runs from Portugal to South Africa along the West African coast.
These underwater cables form the backbone of global connectivity, facilitating international communication, trade, and innovation. As demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, investments in these critical infrastructure projects will shape the future of global connectivity.
