By CeltixConnect
Sea Fibre Networks (SFN), owner and operator of CeltixConnect, Europe's most advanced sub-sea telecoms network, today confirmed that the new cable will be commissioned and live for customers by 12th December, 2011. SFN confirmed signing contracts with NSW and Global Marine Systems (GMSL) for cable manufacture and subsea cable lay respectively. SFN confirmed works were already underway on the terrestrial routes in Holyhead and Dublin.
CeltixConnect, linking Ireland and the UK, will be the first European sub-sea cable laid in eleven years. Subsea cables transport 98% of Internet traffic cables. This critical infrastructure will enable the infinite growth of data driven by, inter alia, cloud computing, online gaming, social media and mobile data devices. CeltixConnect will underpin and enhance the escalating data centre industry struggling to meet the demands in managing data and facilitating associated data analytics services.
Diane Hodnett, Chief Executive Officer, Sea Fibre Networks, said, “We are pleased to have arrived at this watershed in SFN's history. Signing contracts with GMSL and NSW coincides with being awarded a Foreshore Licence by the Department of Environment, Ireland. This was the last hurdle we faced to construct the cable in Irish waters. SFN's ongoing commitment to this cable project demonstrates our belief in the continued expansion of the technology and telecoms sector in Ireland and the UK.”
GMSL, the largest independent provider of submarine cable installation and maintenance, will commence sub-sea lay on the 15th November. The system, when live will shave over 100kms off the existing subsea cables to reduce latency. Ian Douglas, Managing Director, Global Marine Systems, said “Global Marine is very pleased to have been selected by Sea Fibre Networks for this important project. We look forward to working closely with the CeltixConnect team and our colleagues at NSW to ensure a quality installation, ultimately bringing much needed, very high speed bandwidth to meet the growing demand in this region.”
NSW, a leading manufacturer of submarine communications and power cables, offshore and special cables as well as aerial cables was selected to manufacture the high-count, 144-fibre cable which will more than double the existing capacity connecting Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Rudolf Stahl, Chairman at NSW, says: “We are very proud that Sea Fibre Networks has placed their trust in NSW's long standing experience and extensive know-how of innovative, technologically superior and cost-effective submarine cable solutions. This order confirms NSW as a natural choice as provider for the repeaterless submarine cable system which increases the connectivity between UK and Ireland.”
CeltixConnect will uniquely land directly in the heart of Dublin's business district at East Point Business Park and the Irish Financial Services Centre (IFSC) – requiring only 5kms of terrestrial backhaul before connecting with multiple networks for resilience and competitiveness. CeltixConnect then intersects with the T50, Dublin's major metropolitan network that links all key business districts, datacentres and business parks.
In the UK, the privately owned carrier neutral cable will land at Anglesey, a recently announced enterprise zone for the energy sector in Wales, and will onward connect to Manchester, London and mainland Europe.
Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science, Edwina Hart welcomed the news and the potential benefits it could bring to North Wales: “This private sector investment in such critically important infrastructure is very welcome and provides the region with access to international network connectivity – an increasingly important consideration for businesses and inward investment prospects. It has the potential to support the development of Anglesey's Energy Island project as well as our plans for an Enterprise Zone.”
About CeltixConnect
CeltixConnect is owned and operated by Sea Fibre Networks Limited, a privately held Irish Company, founded by an experienced team of executives with a track record of owning and operating sub-sea and terrestrial telecoms networks. CeltixConnect's unique business model offers the opportunity to lease or buy dedicated sub-sea dark fibre or lease dedicated high capacity managed services. All CeltixConnect products will be supported by industry leading Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and a programme of active management of the sub-sea cable.
About Global Marine Systems:
Global Marine Systems, an independent marine engineering company, has been in business for over 160 years. Operating the world's largest fleet of cable ships and subsea vehicles, it is a market leader in marine cable installation and maintenance for telecommunications; subsea cable maintenance, installation and related services as well as offshore power; cable installation and maintenance for renewable energy and subsea inter-connects; oil and gas life of field services. Global Marine is headquartered in the United Kingdom, with resources throughout Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas.