Global Caribbean Network (GCN)

Overview

Global Caribbean Network (GCN) is a regional submarine cable spanning 890 km. It was ready for service in 2006 and connects six landing points across five countries in the Caribbean region, operated by Loret Group.

Route and Landings

• Baillif, Guadeloupe
• Jarry, Guadeloupe
• Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy
• Marigot, Saint Martin
• San Juan, PR, United States
• St. Croix, Virgin Islands (U.S.)

Ownership and Operators

The Global Caribbean Network is owned by Loret Group.

Status and Timeline

The cable was ready for service in 2006 and has no explicit end-of-service (EOS) date provided. The status of the cable is unknown, with its operational status being unconfirmed.

Strategic Context

The Global Caribbean Network connects Guadeloupe, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This submarine cable serves to strengthen regional internet resilience and provide route diversity in the Caribbean region, ensuring that internet traffic can continue to flow even when nearby cables experience faults or maintenance.

Guadeloupe is a French overseas department located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, known for its strategic position as a hub for telecommunications infrastructure.

Saint Martin, an overseas collectivity of France, is situated between Guadeloupe and Puerto Rico, serving as a key transit point for data traffic in the region. The U.S. Virgin Islands, while part of the United States, operate independently as a hub for telecommunications services in the Caribbean, contributing to regional stability and economic growth.

Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States, is also a key player in the Caribbean region, with its own extensive network of submarine cables. The GCN complements this infrastructure by providing additional connectivity options and enhancing the overall robustness of the region's telecommunications landscape.