Orange Joins ReuNION Submarine Cable Project to Strengthen La Réunion-South Africa Connectivity
The new cable comes as some of La Réunion’s existing submarine infrastructure approaches the end of its operational lifespan. By introducing an additional next-generation route, the ReuNION system is expected to provide greater redundancy and help ensure more reliable international connectivity as data traffic continues to increase.
Orange has joined a consortium of telecom operators and digital infrastructure companies to develop the ReuNION submarine cable, a major project designed to strengthen La Réunion’s international connectivity, improve network resilience and reduce latency.
The consortium includes Orange, Telco OI, Réunicable and La Réunion Connectée. The project is intended to expand the island’s undersea telecommunications infrastructure and provide a more direct international connection to South Africa.
The new cable comes as some of La Réunion’s existing submarine infrastructure approaches the end of its operational lifespan. By introducing an additional next-generation route, the ReuNION system is expected to provide greater redundancy and help ensure more reliable international connectivity as data traffic continues to increase.
As part of the consortium, Orange will serve as the project’s “landing party,” taking responsibility for bringing the submarine cable ashore and connecting it to the island’s terrestrial network. Its responsibilities will include securing permits from local authorities, overseeing civil engineering work at the landing site, developing a secure landing station and integrating the submarine system with existing digital infrastructure.
Orange Marine will handle the deployment of the submarine cable, while Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) will be responsible for designing and manufacturing the cable system in accordance with the project’s technical and regulatory requirements.
The ReuNION project has received support from European funding programmes, including the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which finances strategic digital infrastructure projects. The initiative has also secured funding approval through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The European backing highlights the strategic importance of improving digital connectivity in overseas territories such as La Réunion and strengthening their links with international networks.
Following the signing of agreements between consortium members, the project will move into detailed marine surveys and permitting processes. Cable manufacturing and laying activities are also expected to begin as the project progresses.
Jean-Louis Le Roux, Executive Vice President of Orange International Networks, said the new cable would play an important role in supporting La Réunion’s digital development and economic growth.
He said the infrastructure would help address increasing traffic demands while improving network resilience, adding that Orange would contribute its expertise to the construction, deployment and landing of the cable.
Orange said its global submarine infrastructure portfolio includes participation in more than 40 submarine cable systems spanning nearly 450,000 kilometres of fibre.
Through Orange Marine, the group has expertise in the deployment and maintenance of submarine cables, while Orange Wholesale operates a network of cable landing points that connects subsea systems with terrestrial networks.
The company said this combination of submarine, landing-station and terrestrial network capabilities positions it to support the development of secure and reliable international digital connectivity.
