Submarine Cables: The Backbone of Global Telecommunications
Submarine cables, whether national or international, form the backbone of telecommunications networks worldwide, as they carry over 95% of global internet traffic and data exchanges. In Tunisia, Tunisie Telecom, as the national operator, plays a central role in establishing this strategic infrastructure, guaranteeing the country's digital sovereignty and connectivity, both within the territory and with the rest of the world.
A History of Submarine Cables in Tunisia
The SEA-ME-WE 1 submarine cable is considered the first international submarine cable to connect Tunisia in 1985. At the time, it marked a major turning point in the history of Tunisian telecommunications, as it enabled the country to connect directly to global networks via the Mediterranean Sea, passing through several Asian and European countries.
Since the late 20th century, the SEA-ME-WE 2 and KELTRA submarine cables have marked significant milestones in the development of the telecommunications sector, particularly in terms of international connectivity.
- The SEA-ME-WE 2 cable, launched in 1992, enabled the first high-speed direct connection between Tunisia and European and Middle Eastern networks, contributing to improved international communication quality and internet service expansion.
- The KELTRA cable, which entered service in 1995, represented a major technological advancement thanks to the use of fiber optics, allowing for the transmission of large volumes of information at very high speeds.
These two projects contributed to the modernization of the national digital infrastructure and provided a solid foundation for future submarine cable projects.
Recent Developments and Expansions
With Tunisia's integration into the international SEA-ME-WE 4 network in 2005, Tunisie Telecom reinforced the country's position on the global telecommunications map, establishing a direct connection with several data centers in Europe and Asia.
The Hannibal cable, owned by Tunisie Telecom, was launched in 2009, connecting Kélibia to Italy and increasing international connectivity capacity while significantly improving internet quality and speed in Tunisia.
National Submarine Cables
At the national level, Tunisie Telecom has also established local submarine cables, including the iconic El Jorf – Djerba cable, which connects the island to the Tunisian mainland. This project has strengthened the stability of internet, telephone, and data transmission services in the southeast of the country, illustrating the company's commitment to bringing technology to all citizens, regardless of their location.
Thanks to these integrated projects, combined with a vast national fiber-optic network, Tunisie Telecom has established itself as the driving force behind Tunisia's digital transformation.
The Importance of Submarine Cables
Submarine cables thus form the foundation upon which all modern telecommunications services rely: high-speed internet, data centers, and cloud computing services, paving the way for the development of essential sectors such as education, healthcare, and e-commerce.
