Tunisia Now Boasts a New Direct Link to Europe
Tunisia has launched a new direct connection to Europe, courtesy of Orange, the operator behind the ViaTunisia submarine cable. This cable, spanning approximately 1,050 kilometers, connects Bizerte to Marseille, one of Europe's primary internet interconnection points. The launch of ViaTunisia aims to increase data transmission capacities between the two Mediterranean shores and further secure digital exchanges.
Key Features of ViaTunisia
- The cable is directly connected to Orange's infrastructure in Marseille
- It is approximately 1,050 kilometers long
- The launch occurs amidst a surge in digital traffic, driven by the growth of cloud computing, data centers, and artificial intelligence applications
Enhancing Resilience and Capacity
Beyond increasing capacity, the new cable also focuses on resilience. Recent incidents affecting submarine cables in the Mediterranean and Africa have caused disruptions to international networks. The multiplication of connectivity routes is now considered crucial in limiting the risk of outages and ensuring the continuity of digital services.
The Medusa Project
ViaTunisia is one of the first operational segments of the Medusa project, a vast submarine network spanning nearly 8,700 kilometers. This network aims to connect several European and North African countries. Upon completion, the system will rely on 24 pairs of optical fibers, offering a total capacity of up to 480 terabits per second, making it one of the most significant connectivity projects in the Mediterranean region.
European Union Support
The Medusa project has received financial support from the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) program, which is funding part of the Tunisian segment. The objective is to strengthen digital exchanges between Europe and the southern Mediterranean shore and support the growth of data flows. As investments in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital services accelerate globally, the quality and diversity of international connections are becoming increasingly important factors in competitiveness.
