In a groundbreaking development for global telecommunications, Telecom Egypt and the Medusa Submarine Cable System have inked a strategic agreement to extend the Medusa network to the Red Sea. This significant expansion is set to reshape the landscape of international connectivity.
Unlocking Direct Access to the Red Sea
The 8,760-kilometer-long Medusa submarine cable is set to make landfall in the bustling Egyptian city of Port Said by the close of 2025. However, the impact of this expansion extends far beyond Egypt’s shores. It will be seamlessly connected to the Red Sea landing stations in Suez, Zafarana, and Ras Ghareb, courtesy of Telecom Egypt’s extensive terrestrial crossing network.
A Mediterranean to Red Sea Superhighway
The agreement, a pivotal moment in the realm of undersea networks, was formally ratified during the prestigious Submarine Networks World event held in Singapore. This extension will provide direct access from all Medusa Mediterranean landings in Europe and North Africa to the Red Sea. It heralds a new era of diverse and efficient connectivity on a global scale and solidifies Egypt’s role as a burgeoning global digital hub.
Telecom Egypt’s Pioneering Role
Telecom Egypt, the pioneering integrated telecom operator in Egypt and one of the foremost submarine cable operators in the region, serves as the host for the Medusa submarine cable system. The partnership reflects a significant milestone in the telecommunications industry. As Telecom Egypt highlights, this agreement enhances the diversity of submarine cable infrastructure reaching the Red Sea.
Powering High-Capacity Connectivity
With a 2025 launch date in the Western Mediterranean, the Medusa Submarine Cable System boasts cable segments capable of accommodating up to 24 fiber pairs, each with a stunning capacity of 20 Gbps. The introduction of this high-capacity network infrastructure not only elevates Egypt’s significance as a pivotal connectivity point between Asia, Africa, and Europe but also reinforces the efficiency and reliability of the entire network.
Egypt’s Prized Position
Egypt, a nation with a strategic geographic location, currently hosts a remarkable 14 subsea cable systems. These connect through 10 landing stations and traverse the country via 10 terrestrial routes, expertly bridging the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. This evolving ecosystem will fortify Egypt’s role as a telecommunications powerhouse with global ramifications.
