Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) has signed a turnkey contract with the Libyan International Telecommunication Company (LITC) to build a new 1,000-km undersea cable system linking the country’s capital, Tripoli, to its second city, Benghazi, in order to provide the broadband connectivity needed in support of ongoing efforts to revive the Libyan economy.
The companies say the system will play a critical role in the reconstruction of Libya’s telecom infrastructure by improving the levels of connectivity and communication reliability needed for business, public sector, and consumer applications, particularly at a time when global demand for broadband services continues to grow.
Expected to be ready for service in mid-2015, the new submarine cable system will be based on Alcatel-Lucent‘s 100G coherent technology and optimized for submarine fiber. The system will ultimately carry capacity in excess of 10 Tbps per fiber pair.
LITC Chairman Dr. Mohmoud Aujali says, “Broadband connectivity is a major growth opportunity for the foreseeable future and the development of a robust telecommunication infrastructure is vital. With the help of Alcatel-Lucent, our new submarine cable system promises a significant contribution to the overall developments that are being undertaken to improve the standard of living for Libyans.”
Adds Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks President Philippe Dumont, “We are pleased to support LITC in delivering this major network transformation in support of the country’s efforts in reconstructing its telecom infrastructure. Strengthening connection with the global digital community, Alcatel-Lucent’s innovative solution will help LITC promote growth opportunities for economic, cultural, and educational activities.”
A subsidiary of the Libyan Post Telecommunications and Information Technology Holding Co., LITC is the main international voice and data wholesale provider in Libya.
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