Members of the CELIA consortium have announced the development of CELIA, a high-capacity submarine cable system set to connect key locations in the Caribbean and the United States. The cable will link Aruba, Martinique, Antigua, Puerto Rico, and Boca Raton, Florida, spanning over 3,700 km (2,300 miles) and leveraging advanced submarine fiber optic technologies. Scheduled to go live by Q3 2027, CELIA will feature a minimum of eight fiber pairs, each supporting 22 Terabits per second (Tbps), delivering an estimated total capacity exceeding 170 Tbps.
SETAR, Orange, Telxius, and APUA, acting as regional landing partners, will collaborate with Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), the project’s end-to-end supplier, to establish the cable infrastructure. The system also incorporates options for future expansion, including added landing points and increased capacity. Telxius will provide 24/7 monitoring and security through its Network Operations Centers (NOCs).
CELIA aims to enhance connectivity across the Caribbean, offering high-speed, low-latency data transfer to support growing digital demands in the region. The project also prioritizes sustainability by integrating strict environmental and biodiversity standards, working closely with NGOs and local authorities to minimize ecological impact and promote community development.
Key Points
• Total length: 3,700 km (2,300 miles)
• Capacity: 8 fiber pairs, 22 Tbps per pair, over 170 Tbps total
• Landing locations: Aruba, Martinique, Antigua, Puerto Rico, Boca Raton (U.S.)
• Partners: SETAR, Orange, Telxius, APUA
• Supplier: Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN)
• Live date: Q3 2027
• Environmental focus: Minimal impact on sensitive ecosystems
Quote
“For an island like Aruba, it’s crucial to be connected to international data networks to attract private investments, stimulate local businesses, and integrate into the global economy.” – Roland Croes, CEO, SETAR N.V.
