Alcatel Submarine Networks and Facebook launch aluminium conductor for optical fiber submarine systems

Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) and Facebook have announced the commercial launch of aluminium conductor cable for optical fiber submarine systems, after an extensive testing and qualification program to establish its suitability for ultra-long haul deep sea transmission systems. The cable was also validated during a sea trial.

This new cable variant has already been selected for a major long-distance project and is part of the “SDM1 by ASN” solution, designed to optimise the cost per bit.

Najam Ahmad, Vice President, Network Engineering at Facebook, said: “Our efforts are focused on expanding connectivity and increasing the adoption of innovative technologies, without compromising reliability. The use of aluminium cable in submarine systems represents an attractive evolution as technology advances and demand increases for more data throughput and higher speeds.”

Aluminium provides a less expensive alternative to copper conductors, which is one of the most expensive raw materials currently used in submarine systems. Aluminium conductors are the answer to the growing demand for submarine conductor cable and to reduce submarine cable costs.

Aluminium conductor also provides several benefits and advantages compared to copper:

• Cost effective than copper with equal performance
• Has a more stable supply market
• New industrial techniques and equipment now available for aluminium processing and welding
• A potential for higher speed of production

Philippe Piron, President and CEO of Alcatel Submarine Networks said: “The introduction of a new cable variant using aluminium conductor addresses the market demand for more cable capacity at a reasonable cost, while keeping the same level of quality and reliability. “

ASN becomes the first company to bring an innovative improvement to submarine cable design by introducing aluminium. Alcatel Submarine Networks, part of Nokia, leads the industry in terms of transmission capacity.