New subsea fibre optic cable goes live

Tue, 26 Jul 2022

A new multi-million-pound fibre optic cable running under the sea has further strengthened the Isle of Man’s connectivity to Ireland and the UK, with onward connections to continental Europe and the US.

The high-tech cable built with the latest high speed technology will enhance the Island’s existing infrastructure now and into the future, benefitting businesses and residents alike.

Alfred Cannan MHK, Chief Minister and Minister for Enterprise, commented: ‘Access to global data networks through subsea infrastructure is critical for our future economic growth. Businesses place great importance in the quality of our off-island connectivity so I welcome the investment by Aqua Comms and its partners in this new subsea infrastructure, and am delighted to see the cable go live.

‘The development of sustainable telecommunications and off-island connectivity is one of the key priorities of the Island Plan and helps to create a supportive environment where the economy thrives.’

Irish-headquartered Connectivity Services provider Aqua Comms has worked closely with the Isle of Man Government to install the new Celtix-Connect 2 cable, as part of its wider strategy to develop the North Atlantic Loop. This installation is now complete, with 47 miles (75km) of fibre optic cable laid in Manx waters and connected to two landing points on the Isle of Man, in Port Erin and Port Grenaugh.

---