In a bold move set to redefine global internet connectivity, Indian business magnates Mukesh Ambani and Sunil Mittal are spearheading a revolutionary subsea cable project. This initiative, which has been largely under wraps, is poised to significantly enhance internet speeds and connectivity, positioning India at the forefront of the global digital landscape.
Subsea cables, often described as high-speed data highways beneath the ocean, are crucial for facilitating rapid data transmission between continents. These cables serve as the backbone of global internet infrastructure, enabling seamless connectivity across vast distances. The project led by Ambani’s Reliance Jio and Mittal’s Bharti Airtel aims not only to upgrade existing subsea infrastructure but also to set new global benchmarks in internet connectivity.
Central to this initiative are three major subsea cable networks: Africa Pearls, India-Asia-Express (IAX), and India-Europe-Express (IEX). These networks are expected to launch between October and next March, promising to deliver internet speeds up to four times faster than current capabilities. The scale and ambition of these networks are unprecedented, with the potential to revolutionize India’s digital infrastructure and its role in global telecommunications.
The India-Europe-Express (IEX) network, with a staggering capacity of 200 terabits per second (tbps), will span 9,775 kilometers from Mumbai to Europe, passing through the Persian Gulf. Simultaneously, the India-Asia-Express (IAX) network will cover 16,000 kilometers, connecting Mumbai to key destinations in Southeast Asia. These networks will not only boost internet speeds but also strengthen India’s strategic position in global connectivity.
The completion of these projects will mark a strategic leap in global connectivity, making India a crucial hub in the international telecom arena. The enhancements in speed and capacity are expected to have far-reaching effects, boosting India’s technological stature and its role in the global digital economy.
As Ambani and Mittal’s subsea cable networks come online, they are set to transform not just India’s digital infrastructure but the entire global internet landscape. This ambitious project underscores India’s growing influence in the world of telecommunications, positioning the nation as a key player in the future of global connectivity.