Indian state-owned operator BSNL has selected NEC Technologies India to design, build and implement a subsea cable connecting the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to the mainland.
The 2,300km cable system will run from Chennai to Port Blair, and on to the islands of Havelock, Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, the Great Nicobar Islands, Long Island and Rangat.
BSNL managing director Anupam Shrivastava said the project will provide much needed high capacity connectivity with the Andaman Islands.
“BSNL is pleased to select NEC for implementing this prestigious project. We trust NEC for the technological edge they hold in the domain and their commitment to adherence of timelines to ensure successful completion of the project,” he said.
He added that the project will usher in a new era of development for the region. It will provide the bandwidth required to enable the implementation of India's e-Governance initiatives for the region, which include the establishment of enterprises and e-commerce facilities.
"Connecting the A&N Islands to the Indian subcontinent with an optical submarine cable has been a long-time aspiration. NEC is extremely proud of being chosen by BSNL to serve these islands with its cutting edge submarine cable solution, which promises to bring the A&N Islands much closer to the world," NEC GM for submarine networks Toru Kawauchi said.
"Together with NECTI, our local Indian affiliate, we intend to fully capitalize on our regional expertise and to ensure the successful completion of this project."