Chile’s Subtel has awarded Salience and Pioneer a USD 2.2 million contract to explore the feasibility of an undersea fibre-optic cable connecting Antarctica to the world via the Magallanes region. The study is funded by CAF and attracted four bidders.
The Chilean telecommunications regulator, Subtel, has selected a consortium consisting of Salience and Pioneer to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed undersea fibre-optic cable that would link Antarctica to global networks via Chile’s Magallanes region. The tender for this study, amounting to USD 2.2 million, saw participation from four bidders and is financed by the Latin American development bank, CAF. The cable aims to enhance connectivity to the remote continent, facilitating better communication and collaboration for scientific and research initiatives.
The undersea fibre-optic cable project is significant as it represents a major step towards improving digital communication capabilities in Antarctica, which has historically faced limitations in connectivity. Deliberations on the feasibility of such infrastructure highlight the growing interest in enhancing technological networks in extreme environments. The involvement of a development bank, such as CAF, underscores the initiative’s potential for regional development, strengthening ties between Chile and international scientific communities.
In conclusion, the Salience/Pioneer consortium’s feasibility study for an undersea fibre-optic cable to Antarctica demonstrates a commitment to advancing communication technologies in isolated regions. The project, backed by substantial funding and a competitive tender process, signifies an important opportunity for enhanced connectivity that could benefit scientific endeavors and international collaboration in Antarctica.
Original Source: www.telecompaper.com
