Liberty Networks, Gold Data, Sparkle Partner for Subsea Cable

Liberty Networks, a leader in infrastructure and enterprise connectivity provider and part of Liberty Latin America (LLA), has announced a partnership with telecommunications infrastructure company Gold Data and submarine cable expert Sparkle to build and commercialize the MANTA subsea cable system.

“We are excited that Sparkle is joining with Gold Data and ourselves to deliver this critical infrastructure that will completely revolutionize connectivity across the region for decades to come. MANTA represents our ongoing commitment to facilitating seamless connectivity across the Caribbean and Latin America region with a reliable and resilient solution focused on the future of data traffic,” says Ray Collins, Senior Vice President of Infrastructure and Corporate Strategy, LLA.

The MANTA project aims to revolutionize connectivity in the region by establishing a new pan-regional subsea cable system that addresses the increasing demands of businesses and consumers. Liberty Networks and Gold Data previously initiated plans to merge their existing subsea systems, GD-1 and LN-1, and have now agreed to officially rename the combined project MANTA. With the addition of Sparkle, the initiative will enhance the connectivity landscape between the United States and Mexico, extending southward to Panama and Colombia.

“We are delighted to have Sparkle join Liberty Networks and us in the development of MANTA. Together, we will establish a new data highway to revolutionize connectivity between Mexico and the United States,” says Renato Tradardi, CEO, Gold Data.

The MANTA subsea system is poised to become the first international submarine cable in the Gulf of Mexico, linking Mexico and the United States to Central and Latin America. Spanning an estimated 5,600km, the system is designed to support a minimum capacity of 20 Tb/fiber pair. New landing access points will be established in Veracruz, Mexico, and Apalachee, Florida, aimed at improving traffic flow and providing low-latency routes to key data hubs in Mexico City, Queretaro, Bogota, and Panama.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Liberty Networks and Gold Data on this groundbreaking project. MANTA will establish the foundation for future innovations that drive digital acceleration throughout the region. Together, we are committed to building a new pan-regional subsea cable system that meets the growing demands of businesses and customers across the region,” says Enrico Bagnasco, CEO, Sparkle. 

The new subsea cable system is expected to be operational by 2027. The companies plan to announce their technology provider soon.