Alcatel-Lucent to build Seabras-1 US-Brazil 100-Gbps submarine cable network

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) says it has signed a turnkey contract with Seaborn Networks to build Seabras-1, a new 10,700-km submarine cable system that will create a direct route between New York in the U.S. and Sao Paulo in Brazil, with a branch to Fortaleza, Brazil.

Seaborn Networks and Alcatel-Lucent have started the permit acquisition and marine survey work for the project.

The 100-Gbps Seabras-1 system will deliver new capacity on the primary route for data traffic between South America and the rest of the world. By providing low-latency communication via a 10,400-km segment directly connecting Sao Paulo and New York, and route diversity via a 350-km branch to Fortaleza, Seabras-1 will also enhance traffic protection in the region (for more on the network, see "Seaborn Networks Seabras-1 submarine cable to connect New York City with Sao Paulo"). Tata Communications will be an anchor client.

“Seabras-1 will be the first direct route between New York and Sao Paulo and also the longest 100G transoceanic link to date,” claimed Philippe Dumont, president of Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks. “Once deployed, it will contribute with other ongoing initiatives to enhance trans-continental connectivity, for the benefit of the global consumer and business community.”

The Alcatel-Lucent products to be deployed for this project include an integrated 100G wet plant of cable and high-bandwidth repeaters, power feed equipment, and its 1620 Light Manager (LM) submarine line terminal equipped with coherent technology. Designed to accommodate 100G wavelengths, the Alcatel-Lucent 1620 LM enables seamless capacity upgrade on flexible grid for channel spacing without traffic interruption, the company says.

As part of the turnkey contract, Alcatel-Lucent will also be responsible for project management, system design, installation, and system commissioning.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.