The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and with it comes the necessity for robust infrastructure to support this growth. One of the most significant developments in this arena is the Medusa submarine cable system. This exciting new project aims to create a high-capacity digital corridor that connects the Atlantic coast, Mediterranean Sea, and Red Sea, fundamentally reshaping connectivity across two continents. By deploying Nokia’s advanced coherent optics technology, Medusa looks to deliver unparalleled performance and capacity, ensuring that telecommunications infrastructure keeps pace with the ever-growing demands of users.
Overview of the Medusa Submarine Cable System
Developed by AFR-IX Telecom, the Medusa Submarine Cable System boasts an impressive length of 8,760 kilometers, making it the first and longest subsea cable designed to connect the primary Mediterranean countries. This project will not only facilitate access to telecommunications infrastructure but will also connect 16 strategic landing points around the Mediterranean Sea. Each segment of the cable will support up to 24 fiber pairs, with a potential capacity of 20 terabits per second per fiber pair, providing the necessary bandwidth to handle modern digital demands.
Geographically, Medusa connects key North African countries—including Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, and Egypt—with six European Union states: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus. This connection is expected to play a crucial role in narrowing the digital divide between Europe and North Africa. By improving access to high-capacity fiber-optic links, Medusa aims to not only enhance connectivity but also foster significant economic growth in these regions.
Economic Impact and Operational Framework
The economic implications of the Medusa cable system are substantial. By facilitating enhanced connectivity, the project is anticipated to stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic development in the connected regions. The operation of Medusa is structured around two primary regions: Europe and North Africa. In Europe, operational branches are established in countries such as Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus, where they maintain licenses and permits to facilitate the project. Additionally, the Network Operations Centre is strategically based in Europe, ensuring efficient management of the system. In North Africa, Medusa has aligned with local licensed operators to establish landing points, further enhancing its operational reach.
This open-access system is designed to provide telecom providers with access to state-of-the-art connectivity services, bolstering the rollout of 5G technology and the burgeoning needs of cloud infrastructure. Moreover, the cable is poised to accommodate the increasing bandwidth demands driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other future technologies. The implications of this are vast, as it not only enhances current capabilities but also lays the groundwork for future innovations.
Innovative Technology and Partnerships
The implementation of Nokia’s infrastructure is a key component in this ambitious project. Utilizing the 1830 GX Series platform and the advanced ICE7 coherent optics technology, the Medusa cable system is poised to deliver high-capacity, low-latency connectivity. Nokia emphasizes that this technology allows for the transmission of tens of terabits per second per fiber pair, providing optimal cost and power efficiency for each transmitted bit. “Medusa is helping to deliver new, faster and more reliable connectivity to millions of people, opening the door to greater innovation and deeper integration into the global digital economy,” stated John Harrington, senior vice-president at Nokia.
Moreover, this partnership with Nokia ensures that Medusa is not only meeting current demands but is also equipped to evolve with future technological advancements. “With Nokia’s subsea optical solution, we will be able to deliver greater value to our customers by offering faster, reliable connectivity at a lower cost,” remarked Miguel Angel Acero, the CTO and founder of Medusa. This forward-thinking approach is crucial in today’s rapidly changing technological landscape.
Funding and Support
In March 2025, Medusa received a significant boost with funding from the European Commission through the Connecting Europe Facility digital programme. This financial backing marks a pivotal moment in enhancing digital connectivity between Europe and Africa, with long-lasting implications for economic and technological development across the region.
As digital demands continue to rise, the Medusa submarine cable system stands poised to revolutionize connectivity between Europe and North Africa. With its state-of-the-art technology, extensive reach, and robust operational framework, Medusa not only addresses existing gaps in telecommunications infrastructure but also sets the stage for a more integrated and inclusive digital future.