Digital Connectivity Hub for Caribbean Windward Islands in Saint-Barthélemy Island

ongoing

Saint Barthélemy is a small island in the Caribbean that is part of the European Union as an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT). By introducing a new direct backbone connection linking Saint Barthélemy to Martinique (the EU Outermost Region) and then to Florida, the project aims to add redundancy to the existing connectivity of the island, making it more reliable and affordable for local Internet Service Providers. This is the objective of the Collectivity of Saint-Barthélemy that will connect St Barth Island to the CELIA cable system which is currently deployed. This will be a third cable landing on Saint Barth, increasing its resilience. A new landing station in the north of the island will be built. All terrestrial parts will be owned by the Collectivity of Saint-Barthelemy to ensure it is open, carrier-neutral, and made accessible for all digital stakeholders, whether they are operating in St Barth or in the neighbouring islands. The project comprises: the insertion of a branching unit facing St Barth into CELIA trunk, the construction of a submarine cable branch between CELIA trunk and St Barth, the purchase of optical spectrum on CELIA cable system between Florida and Martinique, and the installation of transmission equipment in St Barth, Martinique and Florida to activate capacity between these three sites. The project is a key step to connect an OCT of the European Union with high-speed, secure, and reliable connectivity.