Undersea "dark fiber" technology enables BT to deliver broadband services to the Scilly Isles.
The Scilly Isles, a remote archipelago off the southwest coast of England, is set to experience a significant digital transformation, thanks to a groundbreaking project by BT, a UK telecommunications provider. The project aims to connect the Scilly Isles directly to the mainland broadband infrastructure using underwater "dark fibre" cables[1][2].
These underwater cables, essentially unused optical fibre laid underwater, will be lit with high-speed internet equipment to deliver significantly faster and more reliable broadband to the islands compared to current alternatives like satellite or 5G mobile coverage.
Nigel Ashcroft, Superfast Cornwall programme director for Cornwall Development Company, believes that this project will bring more local jobs and a stronger, more sustainable economy to the Scilly Isles. He stated that improved connectivity can attract remote workers and businesses, boosting local employment and economic diversification beyond traditional sectors like tourism and fishing[1][2].
High-speed reliable internet can enable new digital services, e-commerce, and better access to education and healthcare for residents. Enhanced connectivity can reduce geographic isolation, making the islands more attractive for investment and potentially increasing property values.
With robust broadband infrastructure, the islands can leverage digital innovation in sectors such as marine research, environmental monitoring, and creative industries.
The £3.7 million broadband scheme, part of the Superfast Cornwall initiative, is backed by BT, the European Regional Development Fund, and Cornwall Council. The project is the most ambitious initiative of its kind ever undertaken in UK waters and probably in Europe[1].
Ranulf Scarbrough, Superfast Cornwall programme director for BT, described the project as highly innovative and environmentally-friendly. He also mentioned that the project is pioneering in every sense of the word[1].
The cables were previously used to carry voice and data traffic between the UK, Ireland, and Spain. BT's tests have confirmed that the cables are in good condition, and the company believes they will provide a reliable service for years to come.
Currently, the Scilly isles receive Internet via a wireless radio link from Land's End. The new underwater cables are expected to overcome the limitations of wireless or satellite options, significantly improving the islands’ digital infrastructure and economic potential.
The scheme is due for completion next year, and Nigel Ashcroft believes that superfast broadband will help existing firms become more efficient and seize new market opportunities. He also anticipates that the improved connectivity will spark more start-up businesses on the Scilly isles[1][2].
In summary, the UK’s use of underwater dark fibre cables aims to directly connect the Scilly Isles with high-speed broadband, overcoming limitations of wireless or satellite options and promising to significantly improve the islands’ digital infrastructure and economic potential.
[1] - [Source 1] [2] - [Source 2]
- The innovative utilization of underwater dark fibre cables into the Scilly Isles' digital infrastructure will introduce opportunities for advanced technology, such as gadgets that leverage data-and-cloud-computing, as residents and businesses benefit from reliable high-speed internet connections.
- With the integration of underwater fibre cables and improved connectivity, the Scilly Isles' economy can diversify beyond traditional sectors, potentially attracting tech-oriented businesses, start-ups, and professionals in fields like marine research, environmental monitoring, and creative industries that rely on data-and-cloud-computing and technology innovation.
