SAFE

Overview

The SAFE submarine cable is an intercontinental cable spanning 13,500 kilometers. It was ready for service in 2002 and connects a consortium of six companies: AT&T, Angola Telecom, BICS, Camtel, China Telecom, and Chunghwa Telecom.

Route and Landings

The cable lands at the following points:

• In India, it connects to Kochi.
• In Malaysia, it is connected in Penang.
• In Mauritius, the landing point is Baie Jacotet.
• In Réunion, Saint Paul serves as a connection point.
• Finally, in South Africa, the cable lands at both Melkbosstrand and Mtunzini.

Ownership and Operators

The SAFE submarine cable is operated by AT&T, Angola Telecom, BICS, Camtel, China Telecom, and Chunghwa Telecom. These companies provide the necessary backing for the operational reliability and maintenance of the cable.

Status and Timeline

The Ready For Service (RFS) year for the SAFE submarine cable is 2002.

Strategic Context

The corridor effectively bridges the gap in telecommunications infrastructure across this part of the Indian Ocean region, connecting India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Réunion, and South Africa.

India, as one of the world's largest economies, has a significant presence in regional telecommunications infrastructure. Companies like AT&T and China Telecom are well-established players with extensive networks globally. Angola Telecom, while based in Africa, operates in various African markets, contributing to the development of local telecommunications sectors. BICS, a global provider of mobile virtual network operator services, supports this infrastructure by offering connectivity solutions across multiple regions. Camtel, based in Cameroon, serves as an important link to West African markets. Réunion, part of the French overseas territories, benefits from this cable for both domestic and international communications needs. This intercontinental link not only supports existing traffic but also opens up new opportunities for data exchange and collaboration among these countries. The strategic importance of such connections cannot be overstated, as they contribute to the overall economic growth and digital transformation of the region.