What's Happening?
Etihad Salam, a Saudi Arabia-based telecoms and digital infrastructure company, has announced a strategic partnership with AFR-IX Telecom to serve as the primary landing and interconnection hub for the Medusa
subsea cable system. This collaboration aims to extend the cable's reach to the Red Sea, enhancing connectivity in the region. The Medusa system, which connects countries on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea, will now incorporate Saudi Arabia through Aqaba in Jordan. The cable system is designed to create a high-capacity digital corridor from the Atlantic coast through the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, featuring a design capacity of 480 Tbps with 24 fiber pairs. The first phase of the project is expected to be operational by early next year, with further deployments continuing through 2026.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it positions Saudi Arabia as a central hub for regional connectivity, potentially boosting its digital infrastructure and economic growth. By linking the Medusa cable to its infrastructure, Etihad Salam aims to meet the increasing demand for digital and cloud services in the Kingdom. This partnership could enhance international connectivity, offering enriched services and experiences that empower businesses to innovate in a digital landscape. The project also reflects broader trends in global telecommunications, where strategic partnerships and infrastructure investments are crucial for expanding digital networks and services.
