New R1.7 Billion Indian Ocean Cable Set to Boost Connectivity for South Africa
The ReuNION submarine cable project aims to enhance digital infrastructure ahead of the Safe cable's expiry.
The Full Story
In a significant development for South Africa's telecommunications landscape, Orange has unveiled plans for a new submarine cable named ReuNION, which will connect the French island of La Réunion to the South African coastline. This project comes as a response to the anticipated retirement of the existing Safe cable, which has been in operation since April 2002, and is expected to reach the end of its operational life by 2027. The ReuNION cable will carry 16 fibre pairs, boasting a remarkable design capacity of approximately 320Tbit/s, significantly enhancing data capacity and reliability for digital services in the region.
The ReuNION project is backed by a consortium including public entity La Réunion Connectée, and telecom operators Orange, Réunicable, and Telco OI. The cost of the project is estimated to be around €93.1 million (about R1.7 billion). Funding will come from diverse sources: €30 million from the European Regional Development Fund, €20 million from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility, and the rest contributed by the telecom operators and the French state.
Jean-Louis Le Roux, the executive vice president of Orange International Networks, stated that this upcoming cable is crucial for La Réunion's digital evolution and regional economic growth. The increase in traffic demands and the need for sustainable infrastructure have driven this initiative. The current Safe cable serves as a significant link from South Africa to various international destinations including Réunion, Mauritius, India, and Malaysia.
However, as its functional lifespan draws to a close, La Réunion's operators face a challenge of limited connectivity options if no alternative is in place. The existing Metiss cable, operational since 2021 and landing at Amanzimtoti near Durban, will become the only direct long-haul link available if Safe is retired without a replacement. Although specific details about the South African landing station have not been disclosed by Orange, reports suggest the ReuNION cable is designed to enhance connectivity primarily for the Durban and Johannesburg metropolitan areas. There are also discussions about extending the cable eastward to Singapore in a subsequent phase, though Orange has yet to confirm any financial details related to this extension.
The next steps in this ambitious project include conducting marine surveys and applying for the necessary permits, followed by the manufacturing of the cable and the laying process. The ReuNION cable is expected to be ready for service by 2028, marking a vital addition to South Africa's existing telecommunications infrastructure, which is already seeing a surge in international connectivity projects. Recent initiatives include Google’s planned submarine cable route to Australia and upgrades to the existing Seacom system, among others. This push to improve infrastructure also aligns with South Africa's broader goals of enhancing digital access and economic growth through improved connectivity.
Why It Matters
The ReuNION submarine cable will bolster internet capacity in South Africa, ensuring more reliable services amid infrastructure challenges. This is crucial for digital transformation in the region and can foster economic growth, especially for businesses reliant on high-speed connectivity.
What's Next
Following marine surveys and permit applications, manufacturing and installation of the ReuNION cable are set to begin soon, with an estimated completion date in 2028. This project promises to significantly improve digital access and connectivity in the region.