CAM Ring

Overview

The CAM Ring is a domestic submarine cable system that connects three key locations in Portugal, spanning a total length of approximately 1,120 kilometers. This cable links the island groups of Madeira and the Azores with each other and with their associated island dependencies, forming a critical part of Portugal's telecommunications infrastructure. The CAM Ring operates entirely within Portuguese territory and is owned and managed by Altice Portugal, a subsidiary of the Altice Group. Since its activation in 2003, it has played a vital role in ensuring reliable connectivity for these remote Atlantic regions.

Unlike many other submarine cables landing in Portugal, which primarily serve as international communication corridors, the CAM Ring is focused on domestic connectivity. Its design and operation reflect the specific needs of the Portuguese islands, offering robust and resilient communication links that are essential for the economic and social integration of these geographically isolated communities.

Route and Landings

The CAM Ring connects three landing points, all located within Portuguese territory. The cable lands in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, which serves as the economic and administrative hub of the Madeira archipelago. Another landing point is located on Porto Santo, a smaller island in the Madeira group known for its tourism and unique geological features. The third landing is in Ponta Delgada, the largest city in the Azores and a key administrative and economic center for this archipelago, located further west in the Atlantic Ocean.

Geographically, the CAM Ring spans the North Atlantic Ocean, bridging significant distances between the Madeira and Azores archipelagos. Its route reflects the strategic importance of connecting these islands to each other and to mainland Portugal. The cable's ring topology enhances its reliability: if one segment experiences a fault, data traffic can be rerouted through the other segments, minimizing the risk of complete service disruption. This design is particularly crucial for the isolated island communities that depend on the system for communication and economic activities.

Ownership and History

The CAM Ring is fully owned and operated by Altice Portugal, a major telecommunications provider and a subsidiary of the multinational Altice Group. This single-owner model allows Altice Portugal to maintain direct control over the cable's operations and upgrades, ensuring consistent service quality and responsiveness to the specific needs of the regions it serves.

The cable system became operational in 2003, marking a significant milestone in improving connectivity for the Madeira and Azores archipelagos. Over its two decades of service, the CAM Ring has provided a stable and reliable communications backbone for these regions, supporting both residential and business telecommunications needs. Its domestic focus distinguishes it from other submarine cables landing in Portugal, which often serve as components of global networks.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring indicates that the CAM Ring continues to perform reliably, with data transmission rates and latency levels consistent with its design parameters. The ring topology has proven effective in maintaining service continuity, even in the event of localized disruptions. This resilience is particularly important for the Madeira and Azores archipelagos, where alternative communication routes are limited.

Probes along the cable's route have highlighted the challenges posed by the North Atlantic's dynamic underwater environment, including strong currents and variable seabed conditions. Despite these challenges, the CAM Ring has maintained a high level of operational stability. Its performance underscores the importance of robust engineering and regular maintenance in ensuring the longevity of submarine cable systems, particularly those serving remote and geographically dispersed regions like Madeira and the Azores.