Huawei Marine, a global submarine cable networks provider, has partnered with Viatel, Portugal's leading telecommunications engineering network supplier, to successfully complete the 685 kilometer cable Flores-Corvo Submarine Cable System construction.
 
The new cable system featuring enhanced Raman technology and advanced Submarine Line Terminal Equipment of OptiX BWS 1600S, will provide vital communications to not only service local demand but become an integral part of Viatel's network that includes over 100 points-of-presence (PoPs) based in 35 key cities. The cable system features three diverse segments, consisting of six landings points to provide essential links to international cable systems, such as the cross-Atlantic Columbus3 submarine cable system, to enable a broad range of services to be delivered to this region.
 
Prior to the completion of the Flores-Corvo Submarine Cable System, the seven islands of the Archipelago of the Azores were connected via the Azores Domestic Cable System, excluding Corvo and Flores which depended on basic satellite communications. The completed Flores-Corvo Submarine Cable System now enables all nine islands of the Archipelago of the Azores to be interconnected, with backbone connectivity to European, African and cross-Atlantic submarine cables.
 
During the project, Huawei Marine's delivery team overcame significant operational challenges due to the islands' remote location and geographical landscape. These included protecting the cable on a 22-meter cliff off the Flores shore and successfully completing the build within 10 months.
 
Viatel CTO, José Luis Nogueira commented, "The successful delivery of the Flores-Corvo Submarine Cable System has demonstrated Huawei Marine's commitment as a partner. It has been a challenging project with complex needs, but Huawei Marine demonstrated great flexibility and dedication."
 
"Huawei Marine is thrilled to have played a strategic role in Viatel's cable rollout," said Nigel Bayliff, CEO of Huawei Marine. "By successfully completing the Flores-Corvo Submarine System, we believe we are well-positioned to participate in more strategic projects in Europe and continue to help more people become connected."
 
The Flores-Corvo Submarine Cable System project marks another milestone for Huawei Marine. Other successful submarine cable system projects in 2013 include connecting the remote islands of Boracay and Palawan in the Philippines, and its Silphium solution which connects Darnah in Libya with Chania in Greece.