WSense and Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) Announce Groundbreaking Partnership for Next-Generation Wireless Underwater Communication Systems
ASN Press Release
January 9, 2024
Rome, Italy, January 9, 2024 – WSense, a deep-tech company born as a spinoff of Sapienza University in Rome, specializing in underwater monitoring and communication systems, and Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), which is part of Nokia and is a leader in transmission capacity with an installed base of more than 750,000 km of optical submarine cables deployed worldwide, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create the next generation of underwater wireless communication systems.
The MOU outlines the areas of collaboration between WSense and ASN to leverage their respective technologies and expertise to develop a state-of-the-art underwater communication system.
This partnership aims to revolutionize underwater exploration and real time data collection, contributing significantly to our understanding of the world's oceans, while fully respecting the marine ecosystem, as the systems emit 1/100th the acoustic power of devices commonly mounted on boats and transmit data smartly only when needed. Specifically, the collaboration will leverage WSense's wireless underwater communication technology and ASN's network as the backbone for creating telecommunication wireless networks underwater. This will foster underwater wireless coverage, facilitating real-time remote monitoring (noise, quality of water, seismic activity, etc). It will also play a crucial role in disaster prediction and early detection, aiding in surveillance and naval operations for coastal securities.
The CEOs of both companies expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. Chiara Petrioli, the CEO of WSense, stated, “This collaboration with ASN allows us to take a giant leap forward in the field of underwater subsea networks allowing us to develop an “underwater Wi-Fi” coverage connected to the internet backbone. We are excited to combine our innovative technologies to create something truly groundbreaking.” Similarly, Alain Biston, the CEO of ASN, commented, “Our partnership with WSense, a deep-tech company, is a strategic move that aligns perfectly with our mission to connect the world through reliable, high-capacity underwater networks. This collaboration will not only accelerate innovation but also enhance our positive impact on communication and ocean safety. We look forward to seeing the incredible advancements this partnership will bring.”
About WSense
WSense is a demonstrated market leader in the revolution of digitization of offshore infrastructures using the Internet of Underwater Things. WSense is a deep-tech company, established as a spinoff of Sapienza University of Rome and specializing in turn-key wireless underwater monitoring and communication solutions. The Company's solutions use patented technologies based on acoustic and wireless optical technologies, enabling real-time, reliable and secure underwater wireless communications. The solutions do not impact the surrounding marine environment. Wsense's technologies enable the implementation of “Underwater WiFi” to connect robotics, sensors, actuators, and professional divers into a single unified communication ecosystem, to provide support for the underwater domain control and critical infrastructures’ protection. Active since 2017, WSense now boasts a team of more than 50 engineers and researchers – with offices in Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom – and counts among its business partners and customers, entities such as Fincantieri, Leonardo, Eni, Saipem, Terna, Aker, ENEA, and INGV. The company has just closed an €11 million Series A round that also involved leading international investors in the ocean-tech field.
WSense Press Office
Valentina Communication | +39 3391338111 [email protected]
About Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN)
Alcatel Submarine Networks, part of Nokia, leads the industry in terms of transmission capacity and installed base with more than 750,000 km of optical submarine systems deployed worldwide, enough to go almost 19 times around the world. From traditional telecom applications to content and “over the top” service provider infrastructures, as well as to offshore oil and gas applications, ASN provides all elements of turnkey global undersea transmission systems, tailored to individual customer’s needs. An extensive services portfolio completes its comprehensive offering for the submarine business, including project management, installation, and commissioning, along with marine and maintenance operations performed by ASN’s wholly owned fleet of cable ships.
Alcatel Submarine Networks media contact
