The new cable provides access to the highest number of data centres with fibre links between the UK and mainland Europe
Colt Technology Services has deployed a dark fibre (G.652D/G.657) cable along the Channel Tunnel connecting London and Paris.
The tunnel offers the best path to close a key network loop that runs between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam: in 2021, Colt secured a 25-year contract, with Getlink which manages the tunnel, to build new and manage existing fibre infrastructure within the Channel Tunnel.
Colt will take over existing dark fibre contracts from Getlink when they expire in 2025 and manage wholesale market engagement.
Beats submarine
Colts says that in accordance with the Channel Tunnel’s safety and security regulations, all connectivity services will be highly secure. They will offer significantly more capacity than subsea cables and will be placed in a highly protected environment that is not vulnerable to piracy, ship anchors, commercial fishing, or shipping.
The tunnel has had no accidents since its installation in 1994 and is designed to support the growing demand for cloud computing and other digital services in both cities, with a seamless end-to-end service level agreement.
Colt will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of all new cables installed in the Channel Tunnel. The new infrastructure has a transfer rate of several terrabits per fibre.
Customers will have access to the 100Gbps/400Gbps IQ Network supported by reliable low latency, high-bandwidth connectivity and service guarantees through the tunnel.
Transforming rail
Herve Jost, Director of Eurotunnel/Getlink Connectivity Solutions, Colt Technology Services, said, “Approximately 80% of internet traffic that runs between the UK and mainland Europe today travels through the Channel Tunnel. It is crucial to increase the bandwidth, enhance performance, bolster reliability, and fortify the security of our network.
“This is vital to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted flow of data, specifically to address peak demand and new bandwidth needs within the Channel Tunnel, driven by new technologies such as AI and Metaverse. Our new fibre cable in the Tunnel will transform the subterranean rail link between the UK and mainland Europe into a major data route to support the anticipated growth in traffic over the coming years.”