Nokia Boosts Global Connectivity: Set to Power Two New Subsea Cables, Linking Millions Worldwide

Nokia has been chosen to power two new subsea cable networks, marking significant advancements in global connectivity. The Medusa fiber optic network, spanning from the Red Sea through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic Ocean, is designed to deliver faster, more reliable connectivity to millions of people across Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, and Egypt. This infrastructure will support the deployment of 5G, cloud, and AI-era technologies, positioning the region for digital growth.

AFR-IX Telecom is the project owner, with Nokia selected through a competitive bidding process to leverage its 1830 Global Express (GX) platform for the Medusa network. The Surge subsea network, connecting Singapore and Indonesia, will strengthen regional data center interconnectivity and expand affordable broadband access to over 40 million people across Indonesia. Nokia’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) platform powers this network, providing high-speed optical transmission for reliable communication.

The focus of these initiatives is on delivering affordable, reliable connectivity to communities in need. By enabling faster data transfer and improved digital infrastructure, they aim to create a more connected, inclusive future for these regions. Shannedy Ong, Director at PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk, highlights the potential impact of the Surge network on Indonesia’s digital landscape.

Submarine cable networks carry approximately 99% of the world’s intercontinental data traffic, making them prime targets for attacks, particularly in regions like Asia where incidents have been on the rise. The rising tensions between Russia and China pose a significant risk to these new Nokia-powered cable networks, as reported by CNN and The Guardian.

Meta’s Project Waterworth, aiming to build the world’s longest subsea cable, is another noteworthy development. This network will connect the US, India, Brazil, South Africa, and other key regions, providing industry-leading connectivity and enabling access to Meta’s platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and its latest AI models.