Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications providers, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully landing the 2Africa Pearls subsea cable in Mumbai. This strategic initiative, undertaken in collaboration with global technology giant Meta and Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC), is set to revolutionize India’s international connectivity landscape. The 2Africa Pearls cable, spanning over 45,000 kilometers, is poised to become the world’s longest subsea cable system upon completion, directly linking India to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
In This Article:
Enhancing Global Connectivity
The 2Africa Pearls subsea cable is designed to deliver a substantial capacity of 100 terabits per second (Tbps) to India. This enhancement is expected to significantly boost the nation’s cable capacity, empowering global hyperscalers and businesses to develop new integrated solutions and provide a high-quality, seamless experience to customers. By integrating this cable into its infrastructure, Airtel aims to meet the surging demand for high-speed data and digital services, especially in the wake of the 5G rollout.
Strategic Partnerships and Investments
Airtel’s collaboration with Meta and STC underscores a shared commitment to investing in global connectivity infrastructure. This partnership involves extending the 2Africa Pearls cable to Airtel’s landing station in Mumbai, thereby strengthening Airtel’s submarine network portfolio. Sharat Sinha, Director and CEO of Airtel Business, emphasized the company’s dedication to investing in global cable systems to deliver high uptime, reliability, and superior network quality to customers.
Integration with Airtel’s Infrastructure
The newly landed cable will be fully integrated with Airtel’s data center arm, Nxtra by Airtel, at its large facilities in Mumbai. This integration is expected to enable global hyperscalers and businesses in India to seamlessly access international connectivity and data center services, further solidifying Airtel’s position as a key player in the global telecommunications landscape.
Advancements in Open RAN Technology
Beyond subsea cable infrastructure, Airtel and Meta are collaborating on Open RAN (Radio Access Network) technologies. Open RAN involves using components such as switches, antennas, and computer boards to set up a network, promoting interoperability and innovation. Airtel is conducting trials for 4G and 5G Open RAN solutions on select sites in Haryana and plans to commercially deploy these solutions across several locations in India over the next few quarters.
Integration of WhatsApp with Airtel IQ
In addition to infrastructure developments, Airtel will integrate Meta’s WhatsApp within its Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) platform, Airtel IQ. This integration will enable businesses to leverage WhatsApp’s rich features and extensive reach to provide unparalleled omni-channel customer engagement, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Addressing Industry Challenges
While the landing of the 2Africa Pearls cable marks a significant advancement, the industry faces challenges in maintaining and repairing subsea cables. Issues such as lengthy approval processes for repair operations and customs duties can escalate costs and delay maintenance. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure the reliability and efficiency of subsea cable systems.
Airtel’s Global Network Expansion
Airtel’s investment in the 2Africa Pearls cable is part of its broader strategy to diversify and expand its global network. The company now has investments in 34 subsea cable systems worldwide, with a network spanning over 400,000 route kilometers across 50 countries and five continents. This extensive network positions Airtel to meet the growing demand for high-speed data and digital services globally.
The landing of the 2Africa Pearls subsea cable in Mumbai represents a pivotal moment for India’s telecommunications sector. By enhancing international connectivity, fostering strategic partnerships, and investing in innovative technologies, Airtel is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital communication in India and beyond.
By – Jyothi
