The cable will span over 1,017km with an initial transmission capacity of 20Gbps and connect the islands of Kulhuduffushi, Eydhafushi, Hulhumale, Dhangethi, Laamu Gan, Gadhdhoo, Fuahmulak and Hithadhoo in the Maldives.
NEC said Dhiraagu has a commitment to converting to submarine cables to improve international connectivity, considering the Maldives, which consists of over 1,200 islands, presently relies on satellite and microwave technology for domestic communication.
NEC is also the equipment provider for the country’s first submarine cable build out in January 2007, which linked the Maldives to the rest of the world through Sri Lanka. Osamu Harada, general manager of NEC’s submarine network division said the company “is honoured to contribute to the construction of this new cable system.” He added: “NEC believes this is a reflection of our comprehensive project implementation capability and highly advanced DWDM technologies for broadband telecommunications, proven by our past submarine cable projects.”
Dhiraagu also confirmed plans to develop its initiatives in the region by providing high speed broadband services and 3G wireless and upgrading its microwave and internet core network by 2016. The company plans to invest approximately $70 million in telecoms over the next five years.
NEC said it has continued commitment to win further submarine cable construction contracts and implement capacity upgrade initiatives around the world.
