This strategic role is reflected in the country's ability to attract major telecommunications projects, such as Google's recent request for a license to build a submarine cable linking the United States to the Azores and Sines.

Google has requested a license from the American regulator, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to construct a 6,900-kilometer submarine fibre optic cable. This cable, named "Nuvem" (Cloud), will have landing points in Myrtle Beach (USA), Bermuda, São Miguel (Azores), and Sines (Portugal). It will be the first system to directly connect the United States to the Azores and mainland Portugal, and the first to have a landing point in Bermuda. The cable promises an impressive capacity of approximately 24 Tbps per fibre pair, significantly boosting the speed and data transmission capacity between continents.

Another significant project is the 2Africa submarine cable system, led by Meta (formerly Facebook) in partnership with several telecommunications operators. This cable, which extends for 45,000 kilometers, connects 33 countries and was recently connected to Carcavelos, Portugal. The goal of 2Africa is to improve Internet access and quality in underdeveloped regions, especially in Africa. The arrival of this cable in Portugal underscores the strategic importance of the country for international communications.

In addition to facilitating communication, submarine cables can also contribute to sustainable development. SMART CABLE technology integrates sensors into submarine telecommunications cables, allowing real-time monitoring of the seabed. This technology is promoted by the Joint Task Force SMART Subsea Cable System, an association supported by United Nations agencies. SMART CABLES offer an innovative solution, transforming telecommunications cables into multi-purpose infrastructures that, in addition to transporting data, monitor the marine environment, contributing to scientific research and disaster mitigation.

Portugal is at the forefront of implementing this technology with the Atlantic CAM project, a SMART submarine cable that will connect mainland Portugal to the Azores and Madeira. Scheduled to be operational in 2025/26, the Atlantic CAM will enable real-time data collection on seabed conditions, aiding research on climate change and issuing tsunami and earthquake alerts. This project represents a total investment of around 150 million euros and will position Portugal as a central node in the global ocean observation network.

Portugal's geographic position at the crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Americas makes the country a strategic point for the installation of submarine cables. The existing infrastructure and new projects consolidate Portugal's role as a telecommunications hub. Hosting 25% of the submarine fibre optic cables on Portuguese territory not only strengthens global connectivity but also positions the country as a leader in technological innovation and sustainable development.

Portugal plays a vital role in the global Internet infrastructure, not only by connecting continents through submarine fibre optic cables but also by leading innovative projects that combine telecommunications with environmental monitoring. The ability to attract significant investments and implement advanced technologies like SMART CABLES demonstrates the strategic importance of the country in the global telecommunications landscape. These developments not only improve connectivity and Internet quality but also contribute to scientific research and disaster mitigation, highlighting Portugal's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes