Sparkle, Italy’s pioneering international service provider and a global operator, has ushered in a new era of connectivity with the activation of commercial service in the first segment of the BlueMed submarine cable system. This revolutionary cable links Palermo with Genoa and extends all the way to Milan, introducing numerous advantages for operators, internet service providers (ISPs), businesses, and institutions alike.
Unlocking the Potential of BlueMed Cable
The BlueMed cable delivers high-capacity connections, offering users the choice of speeds at multiples of 100 or 400 gigabits per second (Gbps). This remarkable boost in data transfer capabilities opens up exciting possibilities for a wide range of applications.
Reducing Latency for Faster Communication
One of the standout features of the BlueMed cable is its ability to reduce latency significantly. When compared to existing terrestrial cables connecting Sicily with Milan, BlueMed offers a remarkable 50 percent reduction in latency. This translates into lightning-fast data transfers and virtually instantaneous communication.
Expansive Coverage Across the Mediterranean
Sparkle’s BlueMed cable is more than just a local connection; it forms a vital link between Italy, France, Greece, and multiple Mediterranean-bordering nations, reaching as far as Aqaba in Jordan. As part of the Blue and Raman Submarine Cable Systems, developed in partnership with industry leaders like Google, BlueMed’s reach will ultimately extend to Mumbai, India.
Enhancing Network Resilience
BlueMed enhances network resilience by providing a secure and diverse route between Sicily and Milan. This complements existing terrestrial backbones, creating a robust and reliable network infrastructure.
Unprecedented Throughput Capacity
The BlueMed cable boasts impressive capabilities, with each fiber pair equipped for a remarkable throughput of 30 Terabits per second (Tbps). This places BlueMed at the forefront of submarine backbone capacity in the Mediterranean region.
Seamless Network Integration
Sparkle has seamlessly integrated BlueMed with its existing network infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and optimal performance for all users.
Empowering Sicily and Genoa Data Hubs
The Sicily Hub in Palermo, already connected to eighteen international cables, now enjoys an additional route to continental Europe, benefiting service providers in Africa and the Middle East, as well as content providers on the island.
The Genoa Digital Hub in Lagaccio serves as a critical colocation facility and interconnection point for terrestrial networks and international submarine cables, including BlueMed.
Future Expansion and Connectivity
Sparkle has ambitious plans for the BlueMed cable system. By the end of 2023, additional segments will be activated, connecting Pomezia (Rome), Golfo Aranci (Sardinia), Bastia (Corsica), and Marseille. Looking ahead to 2024, Sparkle aims to further expand its reach into the Central and Eastern Mediterranean, cementing BlueMed’s status as a pivotal player in the region’s connectivity landscape.
The activation of Sparkle’s BlueMed submarine cable system marks a significant leap forward in Mediterranean connectivity, offering high-speed, resilient, and diverse connectivity options to a broad spectrum of users and organizations.
