Global Caribbean Network (GCN) has upgraded its submarine cable infrastructure in the Guadeloupe region using the Ekinops360 WDM platform with FlexRate™ technology. The upgrade enables the delivery of high-capacity internet services across the Caribbean, supporting services from 10G to 100G over spans exceeding 350 km.
The deployment includes Ekinops’ 400FRS04-SF modules, ROADMs, and low-noise optical amplifiers. GCN selected Ekinops after evaluating other submarine-specific systems, citing the platform’s flexibility, technical support, and national technology sourcing as deciding factors.
GCN’s cable system was originally developed under a public service contract with the Guadeloupe regional council, requiring eventual return of infrastructure to the government. The modernization ensures long-term operability and readiness for increased bandwidth demands.
“We wanted to ensure the cable system may continue in operation for many years, and Ekinops proved to be the best partner,” said Axel Adenet, COO at GCN.
- The Global Caribbean Network (GCN) is a submarine fiber-optic cable system launched in September 2006 to enhance digital connectivity across the Lesser Antilles. Developed through a public-service delegation from the Guadeloupe Regional Council, GCN is operated by a joint venture between the Guadeloupe-based LORET Group and SEMSAMAR (Saint Martin). Spanning approximately 890 km, the system connects Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Croix (via a branching unit), and Puerto Rico, providing critical bandwidth to these regions. As of 2014, GCN reportedly supported a lit capacity of 1.3 Tbps, with the potential to scale up to 5.1 Tbps using 100 Gbps wavelengths. In 2013–2014, the LORET Group and Caribbean Fibre Holdings sold significant Caribbean fiber assets to Digicel, including parts of the Middle Caribbean Network and Southern Caribbean Fiber. However, GCN’s core infrastructure, serving Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, and Saint-Barthélemy, remained under the ownership of the LORET Group and Leucadia National Corporation.