Key facts
- Google's Nuvem transatlantic submarine cable system has officially launched, connecting Portugal and the US.
- The 7,000 km cable system features 16 pairs of fibre-optic cables with a capacity of 384 terabits per second.
- Nuvem aims to enhance network resilience, add diversity to international routes, and reduce dependence on congested data corridors.
- The project is a partnership between Google and Portuguese telecommunications company MEO.
- The system is expected to become operational next year and will land in South Carolina and Sines, Portugal.
Google has officially launched its Nuvem transatlantic submarine cable system, a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing digital connectivity between North America and Europe. The launch ceremony took place at Lisbon's Oceanarium, with Portuguese Minister Delegate for State Reform Gonçalo Matias highlighting the project's strategic importance.
The Nuvem system, first announced in 2023, is a 7,000-kilometer-long fibre-optic cable that will directly link Portugal to the United States, specifically connecting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Sines, Portugal, with intermediate points in Bermuda and the Azores. The system comprises 16 pairs of fibre-optic cables, providing a substantial capacity of approximately 384 terabits per second. It is expected to become operational next year.
Submarine cables are crucial for global communication, carrying approximately 99% of international data traffic. The Nuvem project is designed to improve network resilience in the Atlantic, add diversity to international data routes, and reduce Europe's reliance on a limited number of congested communication corridors. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for digital services and support the development of information and communication technology infrastructure.
The Nuvem system is a collaborative effort between Google and the Portuguese telecommunications company MEO, which will serve as an investor and national partner. This partnership is expected to bolster Portugal's appeal for investments in data centres, cloud platforms, and global technology services. Minister Matias emphasized Portugal's strategic geographical location, its stability, skilled workforce, and commitment to clean energy as key factors contributing to its role as a digital hub.
This project follows Google's previous investments in subsea cables, including Equiano, which connects Europe and Africa, and Firmina, linking the US East Coast to South America. Portugal is also slated to be a focus for Google's upcoming Sol project, further strengthening transatlantic connectivity.