Nokia Selected to Power Strategic Medusa Submarine Cable, Boosting Africa-Europe Connectivity
Finnish telecommunications giant Nokia has been chosen by AFR-IX Telecom to provide the crucial technical solution for the Medusa submarine cable project. This ambitious 8,700-kilometer high-capacity fiber optic network is set to significantly enhance digital connectivity, strategically linking several North African nations, including Tunisia, directly to Europe. This initiative marks a pivotal step in bridging the digital divide and fostering robust international data exchange across the Mediterranean.
Advanced Technology and Open Access for Future-Proof Connectivity
The Medusa cable system leverages Nokia’s cutting-edge technology, specifically the Nokia 1830 Photonic Service Interconnect platform combined with ICE7 coherent optics. This powerful combination enables the network to achieve impressive capacities, delivering several tens of terabits per second per fiber pair. A key strategic aspect of this infrastructure is its planned operation in an ‘open access’ mode. This model offers substantial flexibility to various telecommunications operators, granting them the ability to acquire dedicated fiber pairs that can be configured precisely to meet their specific demands. Miguel Angel Acero, CTO of Medusa, emphasized the project’s transformative potential, stating, “With Nokia, we are laying the foundations for a more connected, fast, reliable, and flexible digital future.” Highlighting the direct impact on regional connectivity, Tunisie Telecom has already taken a significant step by signing a strategic agreement with AFR-IX in February 2025 to connect Tunisia to the Medusa network, further solidifying the project’s reach and impact across North Africa.
This collaboration between Nokia and AFR-IX Telecom represents a monumental leap forward in global digital infrastructure. By deploying such a high-capacity, open-access submarine cable, the Medusa project will not only facilitate faster and more reliable internet access for millions but also stimulate economic growth and digital transformation across the connected regions of North Africa and Europe. This strategic investment in core infrastructure underscores a commitment to building a resilient and interconnected digital ecosystem for years to come.
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