What's Happening?
Etihad Salam, a Saudi Arabia-based telecoms and digital infrastructure company, has partnered with AFR-IX Telecom to connect the Medusa subsea cable system to the Red Sea. This strategic partnership designates
Etihad Salam as the primary landing and interconnection hub for the Medusa system within Saudi Arabia, extending its reach through Aqaba in Jordan. The collaboration aims to integrate Medusa's network into Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, facilitating connections to Asia. The Medusa system, designed to connect countries on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea, features a high-capacity digital corridor from the Atlantic coast through the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
Why It's Important?
The extension of the Medusa cable to the Red Sea is a significant development for regional connectivity, positioning Saudi Arabia as a central hub for digital and cloud services. This move is expected to enhance international routes, meeting the growing demand for digital services in the region. Businesses and consumers in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries stand to benefit from improved connectivity, potentially driving economic growth and innovation. The partnership also underscores the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia in global telecommunications infrastructure.
What's Next?
The initial segment of the Medusa cable is set to link Marseille with Bizerte in Tunisia and Nador in Morocco, with landings expected between late October and December. The first phase is slated to be ready for service at the beginning of next year, with further deployment expected throughout 2026. As the project progresses, stakeholders may anticipate enhanced connectivity services and experiences, potentially leading to new business opportunities and technological advancements in the region.
