As global demand for fast, reliable, and resilient connectivity grows, Sparkle is making significant strides in expanding and securing submarine cable infrastructure across the Mediterranean and beyond. From its agreement with Cyta in Cyprus to its collaboration with Oceanic Environmental Cables (OEC) in the Mediterranean, Sparkle is demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and sustainability.
In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review during Capacity Middle East 2024, Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle, dove into the essence of maintaining robust subsea cable networks to ensure secure and reliable global connectivity.
Please tell us about Sparkle's agreement with Cyta for the landing of BlueMed in Cyprus? How will this impact the MENA region?
The landing in Cyprus with Cyta marks another step in the BlueMed journey. Following Italy and Greece, we have now expanded into a new country, further strengthening our presence in the Mediterranean. As a key gatekeeper of submarine traffic in the region, this landing allows us to engage with another market and enhance the connectivity options we offer to our customers in the MENA region.
Please give us a brief update on the agreement with Oceanic Environmental Cables (OEC) regarding the recovery of unused subsea cables in the Mediterranean.
This is an agreement I am particularly proud of. We have a very clear ESG (environmental, social, and governance) plan as part of our sustainability agenda. This particular initiative represents a concrete step towards our environmental sustainability goals. Indeed, there is a gold mine hidden beneath the sea in terms of both plastics and metals from decommissioned submarine cables. OEC’s innovative solution enables us to recover and repurpose these resources, making a positive impact not only on the environment but also from a business perspective.
What measures is Sparkle implementing to enhance the security and resilience of its submarine cable infrastructure?
Submarine cable security is a critical issue, now more than ever. While it has always been a priority for us, recent media attention has highlighted its importance to the public as well. We have implemented a comprehensive set of measures, including robust cybersecurity protocols to protect against cyber threats across our systems and networks.
Beyond cybersecurity, physical security is essential for submarine cables. This requires strategic partnerships, such as our agreement with the Italian Navy, which monitors cable routes using its naval fleet. Additionally, we are investing in advanced technologies to further enhance resilience. We recently signed a strategic partnership with Fincantieri to develop submarine drones. These will be used to patrol and maintain next-generation submarine cables.
In addition, we want to ensure security-by-design and reliability in network architecture; thus, we are continuously exploring and developing alternative submarine cable routes to enhance resilience and provide greater reliability for our customers.
Please tell us about Sparkle’s involvement in the MANTA subsea cable system, connecting the U.S., Mexico, Panama, and Colombia.
MANTA is the new project we launched at the end of 2024. It’s a joint operation with Liberty Networks and Gold Data and addresses another key region of our business: the corridor that connects North America, Central America, and South America. The project will connect two landing points in Mexico and two landing points in Florida, Colombia, and Panama, which is where many of our other data centers and infrastructure are located. This is expected to boost traffic from the Americas, consequently becoming the first new route to directly connect Mexico with the north of Florida in Appalachia.
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