Cable & Wireless PLC. and Alcatel have started building what they call the worlds most advanced IP trans-Atlantic cable, linking Long Island to Cornwall, England, and Brittany, France.
Named Apollo, the cable system is slated to bring greater bandwidth to carriers and service providers at lower costs than are available today. The cable will transmit data at at least 3.2 terabits per second, which, according to Cable & Wireless, of London, is one-third more capacity than other trans-Atlantic cable systems.
The companies claim that Apollo will offer greater capacity, greater resilience and more flexibility than alternatives. It will be the first trans-Atlantic system to use Paris-based Alcatels enhanced cable protection design, which makes it less vulnerable to damage from external sources, such as trawlers. Customers will be able to determine the level of protection they require.
Apollo is scheduled to begin service in the summer of next year.