The "MEDUSA" project, developed by AFR-IX telecom and manufactured by Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), represents the Mediterranean's most extensive submarine cable initiative to date. Spanning over 7,100 km, this high-capacity optical-fiber submarine cable will connect both shores of the Mediterranean Sea and is expected to be operational between 2025 and early 2026, with a design life of 25 years.
The project involves constructing and deploying a submarine cable system interconnecting five European countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Cyprus) with five North African countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt). It includes direct terrestrial links from the submarine cable landing stations in North Africa to their national research and education networks. The system, which will operate on an open access basis subject to local regulations, features 12 landing points across the countries mentioned.
MEDUSA aims to strengthen ties with EU peer organizations, enhancing scientific knowledge exchange and fostering innovation, research, and job creation in the region.
The European research and education network (GEANT), and the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN) are supporting the North African NRENs to establish plans and services and connect more institutions, hospital and community incubators to utilize the high-speed connectivity between the respective countries and Europe.
For more details, visit the MEDUSA official website. Additionally, you can read about the EU and EIB signing the contract to support this project here.
