Alcatel-Lucent signs on to build Orval submarine network

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) says it has signed a turnkey agreement with the Algerian Ministry of Post, Information Technology and Communications (MPITC) to build a submarine network to connect Algeria and Spain. The new fiber cable system is expected to be completed next year.

The proposed Orval undersea cable system would run more than 560 km between Oran in Algeria and Valencia, Spain. The system will support 100-Gbps wavelengths and a design capacity of 20 Tbps.

Alcatel-Lucent will partner with marine operations specialist IT Marine for the submarine cable deployment.

"Broadband access is a fundamental contributor to both businesses and consumers. The Orval network represents a strategic technology investment that will strengthen access to high-quality network services," said Abdelhak Benkrid, general secretary of the MPITC. "Based on Alcatel-Lucent's technology and expertise, Orval will give us an edge to continue developing our service offer to and to an increasing number of broadband users."

Added Philippe Dumont, president of Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks, "The Orval undersea cable system will help meet the broadband demand and strengthen overall connectivity in the Mediterranean. As we enter in an upward cycle of submarine cables constructions, this new project highlights the continued need for higher capacity and connectivity that is critical for broadband expansion."

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