By: Staff Writer
January 09, Colombo (LNW): SLT-Mobitel has made a significant advancement in Sri Lanka’s telecommunications infrastructure with the successful landing of the SEA-ME-WE 6 (Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 6) submarine cable in Matara on December 29, 2024.
This milestone positions Sri Lanka as a key player in global connectivity and sets the stage for further digital development in the country.
Moreover, the accomplishment of the SEA-ME-WE 6 landing represents a significant step forward in SLT-Mobitel’s mission to enhance Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure and global connectivity capabilities.
Notably, environmental sustainability remained a top priority throughout the project. SLT-Mobitel worked closely with Government departments and local authorities to secure an environmentally conscious landing route.
The marine path was carefully selected following comprehensive environmental assessments and strict adherence to marine protection policies.
The company utilised existing infrastructure to minimise environmental impact when connecting the submarine cable to the Matara landing station.
The SEA-ME-WE 6 cable system, which will begin commercial operations by mid-2026, is a collaboration with Subcom LLC, USA, and a consortium of partners, with Sri Lanka Telecom PLC acting as the legal signatory.
This development strengthens Sri Lanka’s connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. The 21,700 km cable, which connects Singapore to France via critical points across Asia and the Middle East, is equipped with cutting-edge fibre optic technology that offers an impressive 130 Tbps of high-speed, low-latency data transmission.
The project was managed by a team of SLT-Mobitel executives, including Chief Operating Officer Prabhath Ambegoda and other senior officials.
This addition to Sri Lanka’s global connectivity infrastructure further enhances its position as a digital hub.
With the cable’s integration, SLT-Mobitel is well-equipped to meet increasing connectivity demands in the region while contributing to the country’s broader economic growth.
In terms of environmental considerations, SLT-Mobitel prioritized sustainability throughout the cable’s installation process.
The company worked closely with government departments and local authorities to select an environmentally responsible landing route.
This careful planning and adherence to marine protection policies ensured minimal environmental impact, including the use of existing infrastructure to connect the cable to the Matara station.
The SEA-ME-WE 6 cable complements SLT-Mobitel’s existing global infrastructure, which includes the SEA-ME-WE 4, SEA-ME-WE 5, and other regional networks.
As the SEA-ME-WE 3 cable is retired, this new system reinforces SLT-Mobitel’s commitment to providing superior and uninterrupted global connectivity services.
By strengthening Sri Lanka’s digital economy, SLT-Mobitel is facilitating seamless communication between major global regions, supporting both current and future customer needs.
This achievement not only boosts Sri Lanka’s position in the global digital economy but also underpins the country’s role as a critical link in the global telecommunications landscape.
