Subsea fibre optic cables arrive in Blackpool

A project to connect Blackpool to the high-speed North Atlantic Loop communications network took an important step forward when a barge delivered all-important fibre optic cables.

The subsea, fibre optic, Irish Sea cable network will have the capability to deliver some of the world’s fastest, most resilient internet speeds and will be connected directly to the town's enterprise zone.

The network is made up of several undersea fibre cables connecting the UK to the US and Northern Europe. The cable landing in Blackpool is known as CeltixConnect-2, which is a next generation, subsea fibre cable system that is part of the Aqua Comms network.

With Blackpool as a strategic landing in this global undersea communications system, it not only brings the best available internet capabilities to the Fylde Coast, but also future proofs the North and the rest of mainland UK.

Andy Hudson, chief network officer at Aqua Comms said: "The ongoing pandemic has shown us just how much the world relies on the internet in our daily lives both at home and at work. As our reliance on technology grows greater, the world of telecoms continues to change at a rapid pace, internet connectivity needs to be secure yet agile, flexible and resilient.

"This new fibre connection into Blackpool is faster than many of the existing undersea UK cables which were laid around 15-20 years ago and which are now coming towards the end of their life for operational or commercial reasons. The combination of the shortest, direct route to the USA, and the newest technological assets and engineering capabilities available on the market, makes this a significant 30+ year investment."

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council and part of the delegation of business and civic leaders which gathered to watch the cables arrive, said: "It’s been incredible to see first-hand the physical infrastructure involved, and to learn about the journey this unassuming cable takes to connect us digitally with friends and family around the world.

"Being connected to the North Atlantic Loop opens up so many business possibilities for a digital Blackpool, attracting all sorts of opportunities from a wide range of sectors such as contactless retailing, international education sharing, financial trading and online gaming to name just a few."

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