A new undersea fiber optic cable link is announced to upgrade the communication infrastructure between Cyprus and Syria. This new connection, named “Ugarit 2”, will replace the cable system named “Ugarit” that became operational in 1995. The planned system aims to be activated by early 2028.
The telecommunications authorities of Cyprus and Syria, along with the contracting firm, stated that this connection will enhance internet quality. The “Ugarit 2” project will modernize the internet communication between the two countries, replacing the existing link. The new cable connection will be established between the Pendaşino area, where the undersea communication cables emerge on the land near Larnaca, and the city of Tartus in Syria.
Project Details and Capacity Goals
The project will be carried out in partnership with UNIFI Communications, the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta), and the Syrian Telecommunications Authority. The initial capacity for the 24 pairs of optical fibers used for the cable is expected to be 31 Tbps. There are plans to increase the total capacity of the system to up to 370 Tbps in the future.
Adrian Shaktu, founder and CEO of UNIFI Communications, emphasized that the new link is the first major international infrastructure agreement for Syria following the sanctions. He stated that this project will enable the 20 million population of Syria to be reintegrated into the global internet connectivity map.
Contractors and Equipment
Information was shared that the main contractor for the project will be an American company and that a 5% stake would be held in the project with permission from the U.S. Treasury Department. Fiber optic transmission equipment will be provided by Nokia, while the underwater portion of the cable will be constructed by Prysmian (NSW). Serious efforts will be made to ensure that all these processes are completed by 2028.
The new communication network established between Cyprus and Syria aims to contribute to providing a higher capacity and more reliable internet connection between the two countries.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
