South America Pacific Link submarine cable to be expanded

Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks (ASN) and Ocean Networks Inc. have recently announced their intention to expand the South America Pacific Link submarine cable from Panama to Florida.

This joint venture will add almost 2,000 miles to the approximately 9,000-mile-long cable network running from as far as Hawaii to South America.

Known as the SAPL Caribbean Express (SAPL CX), the cable will touch base in Northern Florida and Miami. Directors hope to one day connect Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Northern Chile through it.

“The addition of SAPL CX is significant. We have listened to the requirements of our customer and have responded to meet their requests,” Ocean Networks CEO and President Scott Schwertfager said. “The SAPL system will fulfill a long-standing need of the markets of the U.S., Central and South America for connectivity to the Asia Pacific region by interconnecting with existing and planned submarine cable systems in Hawaii. The collaboration with ASN and the deployment of their leading-edge subsea cable system technology will enable us to foster cost-effective, high-speed broadband connectivity in the region.”