Emerald Networks signs transatlantic capacity agreement with CenturyLink

Emerald Networks, a new submarine cable system provider, says it has signed an agreement with CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) to purchase bandwidth capacity on its "Emerald Express" undersea network. The cable system will provide CenturyLink with additional connectivity between North America and Europe.

The Emerald Express submarine network is expected to be operational by fourth quarter 2014 with connections to North America, Europe, and Iceland. It uses next-generation capabilities to provide low-latency, coherent, digital optical transmission at wavelengths of 100 Gbps and beyond.

"Establishing a strong global network and expanding our trans-Atlantic capabilities is key to providing our customers with reliable connectivity on a global basis," said Pieter Poll, CenturyLink senior vice president of national and international network planning, engineering and construction. "Utilizing Emerald Networks' undersea cable system will help us to provide seamless service offerings including high-bandwidth connectivity between our Savvis data centers globally."

Dr. William C. Marra, Emerald Networks CEO, believes this agreement reinforces the continued success of Emerald Networks' undersea cable system and the urgency for more secure and reliable high-speed data connections between the United States and Europe. "We are pleased CenturyLink selected us and look forward to a long-term relationship that will deliver outstanding reach and reliability for their use," said Dr. Marra.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.