ENSAAFIBER NETWORK SYSTEMS Request a Quote
HOME / Tuvalu Active Optical Cable

Tuvalu Active Optical Cable

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 31 Jul 2020

Prepared for preliminary research by the ENSAA knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

The Tuvalu Vaka Cable is Tuvalu's first international submarine fiber-optic connection, linking Funafuti to the global network via a branch of Google's Bulikula cable.

Overview and Purpose

The Vaka Submarine Cable is a 688 km undersea fiber-optic cable connecting Funafuti, Tuvalu, to the trunk of the Bulikula cable system, part of Google's Pacific Connect initiative. This project marks Tuvalu's first international telecommunications cable, transitioning the nation from satellite-dependent connectivity to a high-capacity, permanent international network. The cable is designed to deliver faster, more reliable, and affordable internet, enhancing access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and global information networks.

Technical Specifications

Length: 688 kmFiber Pairs: 4 pairs landing in FunafutiBranching: Integrated into the Central Pacific Cable (CPC) network for diversified routing and resilience Operational Status: Fully activated and expected to be operational by Q3 2026 Funding and StakeholdersThe USD 56 million (AUD 80 million) project is 100% grant-funded by the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Japan. Australia contributed up to USD 37 million through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP),. The project was developed by Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (TTC) in partnership with Google, with technical support from CIENA and local contractors.

Strategic and Cultural Significance

The cable is named Vaka, inspired by the traditional Tuvalu canoe, symbolizing resilience, exploration, and connection. Beyond technical infrastructure, it represents Tuvalu's aspirations for digital transformation, enabling citizens to participate in the global digital community and supporting public and private sector services.

Environmental Considerations and Protection

Given Tuvalu's vulnerability to rising sea levels, the cable was constructed with elevated landing platforms and solar-powered systems to mitigate environmental risks. The Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC) is collaborating with Tuvalu authorities to develop a locally led cable protection framework, ensuring long-term operational security.

Regional Integration

The Vaka Cable is integrated into the Central Pacific Cable network, providing diversified international routing through multiple Points of Presence (PoPs). This integration enhances network resilience, supports continuity of service, and strengthens Tuvalu's participation in regional digital markets.

Impact

The Vaka Cable is expected to transform Tuvalu's digital landscape, improving internet reliability and affordability, supporting healthcare delivery, education, and economic development, and connecting the nation more effectively to global networks.

Tuvalu Active Optical Cable - ENSAA OPTICAL NETWORKS [PDF]

Tuvalu Active Optical Cable

The Tuvalu Vaka Cable: building connectivity and a

The Tuvalu Vaka Cable is not simply about technology — it is about securing Tuvalu''s future. It helps Tuvalu build a Digital Nation while also

Vaka Cable Connects Tuvalu to the World, Marking a

The Vaka Cable marks not only a technological breakthrough but also a reaffirmation of Tuvalu''s enduring determination to overcome isolation and

tuvalu-optical-cable-head-manufacturer Distributor

All suppliers for tuvalu-optical-cable-head-manufacturer Distributor Find wholesalers and contact them directly B2B martketplace Find companies now!

Tuvalu Optical Fiber Cables Market (2025-2031) | Trends, Outlook

6Wresearch actively monitors the Tuvalu Optical Fiber Cables Market and publishes its comprehensive annual report, highlighting emerging trends, growth drivers, revenue analysis, and forecast outlook.

FACT SHEET Tuvalu Vaka cable

In support of increased in-country knowledge and capacity, Google will work closely with Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation to support local service operations and maintenance of the Tuvalu

Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation launches Vaka cable

With the cable now live, TTC has been able to reduce the cost of mobile plans by 50 percent, and FTTP Vaka Plans and WiFi rates by 15 percent. According to the company, it is the first

Tuvalu leads the way in protecting its first undersea cable

Tuvalu''s first undersea telecommunications cable — the Vaka Cable — is now live, marking a major milestone in the country''s digital transformation. The cable will deliver more reliable

Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy Centre

The Tuvalu Vaka Cable is not simply about technology — it is about securing Tuvalu''s future. It helps Tuvalu build a Digital Nation while also improving day-to-day life for those living in the

Active Optical Cable Market Size & Trends 2025-2035

Shifts in the Active Optical Cable Market from 2020 to 2024 and Future Trends 2025 to 2035. From 2020 to 2024, the Active Optical Cable (AOC) Market has witnessed sustained growth

NVIDIA Mellanox MFS1S50-H010E AOC Active Optical Cable in Practice

Discover the details of NVIDIA Mellanox MFS1S50-H010E AOC Active Optical Cable in Practice at Hong Kong Starsurge Group Co., Limited, a leading supplier in China for Optical

Tuvalu Vaka cable lands in Funafuti | The Australian

Tuvalu Vaka cable has landed in Funafuti, marking a major milestone in delivering Tuvalu''s first undersea telecommunications cable. Tuvalu

World Bank Document

To facilitate the expansion and reform of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services in Tuvalu, the GoTv are planning to invest in a submarine cable system to connect Funafuti atoll to the

Tuvalu launches Vaka Submarine Cable, connecting the nation to a

Funafuti, Tuvalu – 24 October 2025 – The Government of Tuvalu officially launched the Vaka Submarine Cable, a first international subsea cable connection for the island nation marking a

Google Adds a Branch off Bulikula Cable to Connect Tuvalu

Google announced the ever first s ubsea cable connectivity to Tuvalu with the addition of the Tuvalu Vaka cable, a new subsea cable branch off the Bulikula cable. The Tuvalu Vaka cable is a

VAKA Cable Lands, Tuvalu''s First

VAKA Cable Lands in Tuvalu, The Nation''s First Submarine Cable By Winston Qiu December 12, 2024 Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (TTC) announced the successful

The Tuvalu Vaka Cable: building connectivity and a Digital Nation

The Vaka Cable is futureproofing Tuvalu against climate change impacts and improving day-to-day life for its citizens, say Kofe, Iuni and Marinaccio.

The Tuvalu Vaka Cable: building connectivity and a Digital Nation

Improved internet connectivity is not a cure-all, and the submarine cable may mean increased cyber-security threats, scams and cyberbullying, all of which Tuvalu must protect against. Yet, for a nation

tuvalu-all-optical-switch-manufacturer

23 Companies and suppliers for tuvalu-all-optical-switch-manufacturer Find wholesalers and contact them directly Leading B2B martketplace Find companies now!

Related Video Reference

This video was associated with the source search result. Verify technical details against current product documentation and project requirements.

Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

Fiber and Communications Infrastructure Updates

Still Have a Technical Question?

Use the inquiry form to describe the product category, application, interfaces, capacity and installation environment.

Start a Project Inquiry