CHENNAI: Japanese IT major NEC Technologies has inked a deal with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) to design and install an optical cable submarine system connecting Chennai and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that will enable voice and data connectivity to implement e-Governance initiatives and make it easier to establish e-commerce sites in the islands.
The cable length will be approximately 2,300 km and carry 100Gb/s optical waves.
The deal is for a system that includes a segment with repeaters from Chennai to Port Blair and seven segments without repeaters between the islands of Havelock, Little Andaman (Hutbay), Car Nicobar, Kamorta, the Great Nicobar Islands, Long Island and Rangat, BSNL said in a statement.
"We trust NEC for the technological edge they hold in the domain and their commitment to adherence of timelines to ensure successful completion of the project. This project will enable much-needed high-capacity connectivity with the Andaman Islands and usher a new era of development for the region," said Anupam Shrivastava, chairman and managing director, BSNL.
The optical cable submarine system will also assist educational institutes in knowledge sharing and play a significant role in driving the Centre's 'Digital India' vision to ensure that government services are made available online to citizens.
"Together with NECTI, our local Indian affiliate, we intend to fully capitalize on our regional expertise and to ensure the successful completion of this project," said Toru Kawauchi, general manager, Submarine Network Division in NEC.