A group of four strong subsea cable operators—PCCW Global, Sparkle, Telecom Egypt, and Zain Omantel International (ZOI)—have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the Asia–Africa–Europe-2 (AAE-2) subsea cable system, marking a significant step towards improving global connectivity.
The project, announced on Wednesday, seeks to build a strong next-generation subsea digital link connecting Hong Kong, Singapore, and Italy through safe, high-capacity terrestrial corridors across Thailand, the Arabian Peninsula, and Egypt.
It is intended to strategically provide capacity and promote dependable, smooth connectivity throughout the three continents.
To further improve intercontinental connectivity and meet the expanding needs of cloud services, content delivery, and digital transformation projects throughout the regions, AAE-2 will also have strategic extensions to other vital locations along its route.
RelatedPosts
Project aims to transform global connectivity
By providing a geographically diverse, robust, and high-performance route for international traffic, this ambitious project aims to transform global connectivity.
AAE-2 will combine subsea and terrestrial infrastructure to establish a future-proof data highway between Asia, Africa, and Europe.
AAE-2 will build on the legacy of the AAE-1 cable by integrating the most cutting-edge technological advancements. It will provide bandwidth capacity to meet the massive traffic demands and empower businesses and communities throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Project to meet growing demands for reliable internet infrastructure
Leading companies in the sector, PCCW Global, Sparkle, Telecom Egypt, and ZOI, are leading the project and pooling their resources and experience to provide top-notch infrastructure.
This innovative project, which enables faster data transfer and enhanced connectivity across multiple regions, is a critical in meeting the growing demand for reliable Internet infrastructure.
The consortium is committed to ensuring the successful completion of this game-changing infrastructure project, which will significantly impact the way the world is connected in the future.
Remarks from partners
Frederick Chui, Chief Executive Officer of PCCW Global, stated, “PCCW Global is proud to contribute to the AAE-2 initiative, building on our legacy of supporting vital global infrastructure. Following our instrumental role in the success of the AAE-1 system, we are pleased to bring our expertise to AAE-2, an advanced, high-capacity and geographically diverse subsea cable system connecting Asia and Europe.”
Enrico Bagnasco, Chief Executive Officer of Sparkle, remarked, “The AAE-2 cable system is an innovative project perfectly in line with Sparkle’s long-term strategy to strengthen the Asia–Africa–Europe corridor by enhancing route diversity and ensuring the highest levels of network resilience.
“Among our key initiatives are the Blue & Raman submarine cable systems – linking Italy to India through an innovative path while strengthening the Sicily Hub in Palermo and the hub in Chania – and a brand-new scalable landing platform in Genoa.”
Mohamed Nasr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Egypt, noted, “The construction of the AAE-2 cable system is a continuation of our success stories as a global data connectivity provider and another testament to our commitment to driving digital connections through major collaborations.”
“AAE-2 will also benefit from accessing and cross-connecting with the other subsea cables using our WeConnect ecosystem. We are thrilled to be embarking with PCCW Global, Sparkle and ZOI on this transformative project that will shape the future of digital infrastructure,” stated Mr Nasr.
Sohail Qadir, Chief Executive Officer of ZOI, emphasised, “As the international gateway for the Middle East, we are uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, making us a strategic enabler of next-generation connectivity. AAE-2 reflects our long-term vision to connect continents and digital ecosystems through resilient and state-of-the-art infrastructure.”