Orange and Free to Fund Subsea Cable Connecting La Réunion and South Africa
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French telecoms operators Orange and Free have teamed up to fund a 93 million euro subsea cable connecting the French Indian Ocean island of Réunion with South Africa. Scheduled to enter service in 2028, the cable is intended to replace the SAFE cable commissioned in 2002. Orange will act as the landing party while its subsidiary Orange Marine will deploy the infrastructure, with the EU contributing to the funding of the project.
Details of the Project
Two French operators have committed to a new cable. Orange and Free have teamed up on the project. They will jointly fund a subsea cable. It will connect Réunion with South Africa. Réunion is a French Indian Ocean island.
The project carries a substantial cost. It is valued at 93 million euros. This funds the subsea cable infrastructure. The two operators are backing the investment. This reflects a significant commitment to connectivity.
Replacing an Ageing Cable
The cable serves a clear replacement purpose. It is intended to replace an existing cable. That is the SAFE cable. The SAFE cable was commissioned in 2002. The new cable will supersede this ageing infrastructure.
This replacement addresses ageing infrastructure. The existing cable has served for over two decades. Subsea cables have finite service lives. Replacing it ensures continued connectivity. This maintains a vital link for the island.
The Delivery Structure
The project involves defined roles. Orange will act as the landing party. This covers the cable's connection points. Its subsidiary Orange Marine will deploy the infrastructure. This draws on specialised cable-laying capability.
The infrastructure has a specific designer. It was designed by Alcatel Submarine Networks. This firm specialises in subsea cable systems. The design underpins the cable's construction. This brings established expertise to the project.
The Funding Arrangement
The funding involves multiple parties. Orange and Free are the primary funders. Their respective shares were not disclosed. The project also has external support. The EU will contribute to the funding.
This shared funding reflects the project's importance. Multiple parties are backing the investment. EU involvement adds public support. This underscores the strategic value of the link. It broadens the base of financial backing.
Timeline and Deployment
The project follows a defined schedule. The cable is scheduled to enter service in 2028. This provides a clear target date. Deployment will precede this operational date. The timeline frames the project's development.
Orange Marine will handle the deployment. This involves laying the subsea infrastructure. Subsea cable deployment is a complex operation. It requires specialised vessels and expertise. This capability is central to delivering the project.
Significance of the Cable
The cable is vital for regional connectivity. It links Réunion to South Africa. This provides an important communications link. Island territories depend on such cables. This makes the project strategically significant.
The project reflects broader connectivity needs. Subsea cables underpin global communications. Replacing ageing cables maintains resilience. This ensures continued service for the island. It supports Réunion's long-term connectivity.
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This article was contributed by an external writer affiliated with our publication.
