FEATURE
THE OLISIPO SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM Enhancing Connectivity and Unlocking the Hub Potential of Sines BY DIEGO MATAS
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n today’s interconnected world, reliable and efficient communication infrastructure is vital for economic growth and social development. The Olisipo submarine cable system, developed by EllaLink, is set to support the digital development of Portugal, particularly in the region of Sines enabling its transformation in to one of the hottest places in Europe for data centre construction and connectivity hub. With Diego Matas, EllaLink COO, we will be guided in understanding how and why submarine cable systems play an important role in sustaining the connectivity ecosystem, while highlighting the myriad benefits it brings. In 2021, the EllaLink optic fibre submarine cable has made the task easier, by establishing a direct link between Europe and Latin America, and enabling faster and more reliable communication, fostering economic growth, and strengthening cultural ties between these regions. Today Sines is already much more than subsea cables! The city is witnessing the development of an impressive hyperscale Data Centre campus of up to 495MW, a project with an ultimate investment size of up to €3.5 billion –
54 SUBMARINE TELECOMS FORUM MAGAZINE
Start Campus is a name to remember and the first building of the campus with a total capacity of 15 MW, is set to open in September. Seawater cooling system, use of existing industrial infrastructure to minimize environmental impact, strong capillarity in Portugal and connection with international high-capacity fibre optic cables, availability of 100% green electricity – the Start Campus project will take advantage of the strategic geographic location of Sines and Portugal on the European periphery with a the EllaLink submarine cable already in operation and other more cables already announced With the complement of the Olisipo cable system, the connectivity infrastructure will play a crucial role in sustaining Portugal’s connectivity ecosystem, bridging Sines with the Lisbon Metro Area.
Data centres and submarine cables have a symbiotic relationship that is crucial for the functioning of the modern internet.
DATA CENTRE AND SUBSEA CABLE SYMBIOSIS
Data centres and submarine cables have a symbiotic relationship that is crucial for the functioning of the modern internet. This interdependency ensures seamless global con-