Airtel’s 100 Tbps Submarine Cable Shocks Industry – A Revolutionary Boost for India’s Digital Future
Airtel has significantly boosted India’s digital infrastructure by launching the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable, delivering 100 terabits per second (Tbps) of international connectivity. This high-speed undersea network, connected to Mumbai, will enhance India’s global reach, particularly with Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Submarine cables handle over 95% of international data traffic, making this a game-changer for businesses relying on cloud computing, financial transactions, and digital services. Indian enterprises, especially in IT, finance, and media, will benefit from faster data transfers, reduced latency, and greater network stability.
Previously, outdated cables caused inefficiencies, but this infrastructure removes those hurdles. The project is a collaboration with major global players like Meta, Vodafone, and China Mobile International, spanning 45,000 kilometers. With its vast capacity, the cable positions India as a key player in global digital connectivity, strengthening its role in AI, cloud services, and innovation. Airtel’s ongoing investments in subsea infrastructure ensure businesses stay competitive in an increasingly connected world.
Airtel’s 100 Tbps Submarine Cable Shocks Industry – A Revolutionary Boost for India’s Digital Future
Airtel has taken a significant leap in enhancing India’s digital capabilities by introducing the 2Africa Pearls submarine cable, linked to its Mumbai landing station. This state-of-the-art network injects a colossal 100 terabits per second (Tbps) of international bandwidth into the country, promising faster and more reliable internet access for businesses and consumers alike.
Why Submarine Cables Matter
Often called the “unsung heroes” of global connectivity, submarine cables form the backbone of the internet, carrying over 95% of the world’s data traffic. From video calls and streaming services to banking transactions and cloud storage, these underwater networks make everyday digital activities possible. Airtel’s new cable strengthens India’s links to critical regions like Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, reducing reliance on older, slower routes.
Sharat Sinha, CEO of Airtel Business, emphasized their importance: “These cables are the invisible highways of the digital age. They enable the high-speed, low-latency connections that modern businesses and individuals depend on.”
A Game-Changer for Indian Businesses
The 2Africa Pearls cable is set to revolutionize connectivity for Indian enterprises, particularly in sectors like IT, finance, e-commerce, and media. Companies can now enjoy faster cross-border data transfers, reduced lag, and fewer disruptions—addressing long-standing challenges tied to outdated infrastructure. Previously, businesses grappled with bottlenecks caused by aging cables with limited capacity and inefficient routing.
Sanchit Vir Gogia, CEO of Greyhound Research, noted, “While 100 Tbps is a headline figure, the real win lies in solving operational hurdles. This upgrade means smoother workflows and better performance for Indian firms competing globally.”
Global Partnerships for a Connected World
The 2Africa Pearls project is a collaborative effort involving tech giants like Meta, telecom leaders such as Vodafone and Orange, and infrastructure experts like Alcatel Submarine Networks, which is handling the cable’s deployment. Stretching 45,000 kilometers, this initiative underscores India’s growing influence in global digital infrastructure.
Prabhu Ram of CyberMedia Research highlighted its significance: “This positions India as a pivotal hub in worldwide connectivity. The capacity offered here far exceeds most existing cables, signaling a new era of digital readiness.”
Fueling India’s Digital Economy
As businesses increasingly adopt digital-first strategies, robust internet infrastructure becomes vital for growth. Airtel’s investment is expected to lower operational costs for companies, making international communication more affordable—especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). With access to enterprise-grade connectivity, smaller players can now compete on a global scale without prohibitive expenses.
Ram added, “India’s digital economy is on a rapid ascent, and this cable will accelerate innovation in AI, cloud tech, and beyond. Reliable connectivity is the foundation for tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”
India’s Rising Role in Shaping Global Connectivity
Beyond immediate benefits, the project reflects a strategic shift: India is no longer just a user of global networks but an active architect of their design. Gogia pointed out, “Airtel’s collaboration with Meta and others shows India is now helping map the world’s digital routes—a shift from being a passive consumer to a key contributor.”
With Airtel’s network spanning 400,000 kilometers across 50 countries, its role in driving global digital transformation continues to expand. Sinha concluded, “The hunger for speed and reliability will only grow. We’re dedicated to evolving our infrastructure to meet these demands.”
The Road Ahead
For Indian businesses, the 2Africa Pearls cable isn’t just about faster downloads—it’s a gateway to seamless global operations, innovation, and economic growth. By bridging gaps in connectivity, Airtel is paving the way for a future where distance and delays no longer hinder progress. As India cements its place in the digital world, initiatives like this ensure the nation remains at the forefront of the next technological revolution.
In essence, this upgrade marks a transformative step toward a more connected, competitive, and digitally empowered India.