Orange advances La Réunion submarine cable connectivity

Orange is partnering with a consortium of telecom operators and infrastructure companies, including Telco OI, Réunicable and La Réunion Connectée, on the ReuNION submarine cable project, a major digital infrastructure initiative designed to strengthen La Réunion’s international connectivity, improve network resilience and reduce latency

The ReuNION submarine cable forms part of a broader effort to modernise the island’s undersea telecommunications infrastructure, with some existing systems approaching the end of their operational life. The next-generation cable will provide a more direct international connection to South Africa, supporting long-term network performance, resilience and growing digital traffic demands.

Orange to manage cable landing and deployment

As part of the consortium, Orange will act as the “landing party”, taking responsibility for the physical arrival of the submarine cable on La Réunion and its connection to terrestrial networks. This role includes securing permits from local authorities, managing civil engineering works at the landing site, establishing a secure landing station and connecting the submarine cable to the island’s digital infrastructure.

This critical link will transform the submarine cable into an accessible connectivity resource for operators and users across La Réunion.

For the project, Orange Marine will be responsible for cable deployment, while the design and manufacturing of the system will be entrusted to Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), in line with the project’s technical and regulatory requirements.

The ReuNION project benefits from European financial support, notably through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme, which is dedicated to developing strategic digital infrastructure. It has also received funding approval from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

These initiatives demonstrate the European Union’s commitment to strengthening digital connectivity in overseas territories such as La Réunion and recognise ReuNION as strategic infrastructure at the European level.

Following the signing of agreements among consortium members, the next phases will include detailed marine surveys, permit applications and the simultaneous launch of cable manufacturing and laying operations.

“This future cable is key to La Réunion's digital development and regional growth – it will meet the rising traffic demands and the need for resilience. In line with our 'Trust the future' strategy, we are investing in this project and will leverage our expertise in its construction, including deployment and landing,” states Jean-Louis Le Roux, executive vice-president of Orange International Networks.

Orange expands global submarine cable expertise

Worldwide, Orange is involved in over 40 submarine cables totalling nearly 450,000 km of fiber. The Group combines expertise in designing, deploying and operating cutting-edge infrastructure, ranging from very high-speed terrestrial networks and subsea cables to landing stations.

With its extensive expertise in submarine infrastructure and reliable, secure international connectivity, Orange holds a strong position in the sector and is a key partner in developing digital infrastructure.

Through its subsidiary Orange Marine, Orange handles the laying and maintenance of submarine cables. In addition, Orange Wholesale operates a strategic network of cable landing points across the Group’s territories, facilitating interconnection between submarine cables and terrestrial networks.

The ReuNION submarine cable will strengthen La Réunion’s international connectivity by providing a more direct route to South Africa, while improving network resilience and supporting the island’s long-term digital development.