Under the terms of the MoU, Ocean Networks will lease space in Trans Ocean Network’s cable stations as well as 18 fibre pairs on routes across Panama connecting Maria Chiquita in the Caribbean to Corozal in the Pacific.
“We are pleased to be working with Trans Ocean Network, they are well positioned in Panama,” said David Blau, chief operating officer at Ocean Networks.
“Trans Ocean was able to provide us with a cost effective, turnkey solution that includes everything from bore pipes, cable landing stations, diverse dark fibre routes across Panama and all associated services.”
Announced in February of this year, the CX system will feature 18-fibre pairs using Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) technology. Initially the system will connect West Palm Beach in Florida, Balboa in Panama, Cancun in Mexico, and Cartagena in Colombia.
The $300 million system is designed for future connectivity options to the Bahamas, Guatemala, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. The system is due to become ready for service in early 2024,
“We are pleased to be supporting Ocean Networks and the Caribbean Express system in Panama,” added Joaquin Victoria, general manager at Trans Ocean Network.
“Ocean Networks recognises our experience and proven success supporting other fibre networks in Panama. We feel the CX system is important for the Republic of Panama, as it provides a more direct and cost-effective route to the United States.”
In February, Capacity spoke to Ocean Network’s senior management team to discuss the details of this project and how it fits into the wider roadmap of subsea assets for the company.
