**New Undersea Internet Cable to Connect Cyprus and Syria by 2028**
A significant advancement in telecommunications is set to take place with the introduction of a new undersea internet cable that will link Cyprus and Syria. The Ugarit 2 system is expected to be operational by early 2028, enhancing the digital connectivity between the two nations. A joint press release issued on Sunday outlined the details of this project, which will connect Pentaskhinos in Cyprus to Tartus in Syria across a distance of approximately 240 kilometers.
The Ugarit 2 project is a collaborative effort involving Cyta, the Syrian Telecommunications Establishment, and UNIFI Communications. This new cable aims to replace the existing Ugarit cable, which has been in service since 1995 and currently offers a limited capacity of 622 megabits per second. The upgrade is anticipated to significantly enhance internet speeds and reliability for users in both countries.
The construction and maintenance agreement for the Ugarit 2 cable was signed in Damascus on July 28. This agreement is being hailed as the first major international infrastructure project completed under Syria’s new economic framework. Adrian Shatku, founder and chief executive of UNIFI, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact, stating that it would help reconnect Syria with international digital networks. He emphasized that the collaboration between US technology, European partnerships, and Syrian determination is essential for delivering critical infrastructure.
Cyta's chief executive, George Metzakis, also highlighted the importance of international network infrastructure in strengthening regional connectivity. He noted that strategic investments in both regional and international network infrastructure are vital for ensuring secure, resilient, and high-capacity connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
To facilitate the construction of the Ugarit 2 cable, Italian manufacturer Prysmian has been selected to supply the submarine cable, while Elettra is responsible for the marine installation. Additionally, Nokia will provide the optical transmission equipment for the first phase of the project. Currently, a marine survey of the proposed route is underway, along with the manufacturing of the cable, with the consortium aiming for completion by early 2028.
The Ugarit 2 project has been developed under a license issued by the US Treasury’s Office for Foreign Assets Control, and it is being presented as a post-sanctions infrastructure initiative for Syria. This development marks a significant step towards improving Syria's connectivity and integration into the global digital landscape.
As the project progresses, it is expected to foster greater communication and collaboration between Cyprus and Syria, potentially opening new avenues for economic and technological partnerships in the region. The successful implementation of the Ugarit 2 cable could serve as a model for future infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity in areas previously affected by geopolitical challenges.
With the completion date set for early 2028, stakeholders and residents alike are looking forward to the improved internet services that the Ugarit 2 cable will bring, marking a new era of digital communication between Cyprus and Syria.