UK Joins the 2Africa Submarine Cable Network, Enhancing Connectivity with Africa and Asia

The UK has become a part of the expansive 2Africa submarine cable network, which encircles Africa while also connecting India, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean coastal regions. Initially, the 2Africa submarine cable had landing points in Spain, Portugal, and Italy in Europe. Now, the UK has been added to this list.

UK telecom operator Vodafone recently announced that the 2Africa submarine cable has landed in Cornwall, UK. This development successfully connects the UK to the 2Africa network, strengthening its links with Africa and Asia through this submarine cable.

Vodafone has played a critical role in constructing the submarine cable connections from Western Sahara and Portugal, including managing the physical cable landings, beach burial, and installation into specially constructed beach manholes, facilitating the connection of 2Africa to terrestrial cables.

The landing in Cornwall, UK, is just the beginning. Vodafone has also connected its route to London through two distinct terrestrial infrastructures, serving as the subsequent ground-level connection for 2Africa.

Notably, the 2Africa cable spans an impressive 45,000 kilometers and is a joint venture operated by international network operators, including Bayobab, China Mobile, Meta, Orange, Saudi Telecom, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone, and WIOCC.

Designed with a capacity of 180Tbps, the 2Africa cable connects 33 countries or regions across Asia, Africa, and Europe. With a projected lifespan of 25 years, the construction of this cable around the African continent significantly improves internet connectivity within Africa and fosters better interconnectivity within the continent.