SubCom to Design, Deploy MANTA Subsea Cable System

Liberty Networks, Gold Data, and Sparkle, have announced that the MANTA subsea cable system has reached a critical milestone with the selection of SubCom as the official provider for its design, manufacturing, and installation. The contract officially entered into force (CIF) today, marking a significant step toward enhancing digital connectivity across the Americas.

“With this new infrastructure in place and operational, MANTA will address the increasing demands for high-speed connectivity while enhancing data center interconnectivity across the Americas. By providing a robust and reliable network infrastructure, MANTA will play a pivotal role in accelerating digital innovation, empowering businesses, and supporting the next generation of technological advancements,” say Ray Collins, SVP of Infrastructure and Corporate Strategy, Liberty Latin America, Enrico Bagnasco, CEO, Sparkle, and Renato Tradardi, CEO, Gold Data, in a joint statement.

MANTA is set to enhance data traffic in the region by establishing high-bandwidth, low-latency routes that will interconnect major data hubs in Mexico City, Queretaro, Bogota, Colombia, and Panama City with the United States. This next-generation infrastructure will introduce new landing access points in Veracruz, Mexico, and San Blas, Florida, reinforcing the digital ecosystem across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The project aims to address the growing demand for high-speed internet and data transmission by providing a robust, resilient, and future-proof network. The MANTA system is estimated to span 5,400km, featuring an up to 18-fiber-pair (FP) repeatered trunk segment connecting San Blas, Florida, to Cartagena, Colombia. The cable will also include branches to Veracruz and Cancun in Mexico, North Miami in Florida, Maria Chiquita in Panama, and a stubbed branching unit facing the Cayman Islands for potential future expansions.

SubCom will manufacture the fiber optic cable and other optical components in the United States, using Open Cable specifications. The system will support up to 22Tb/s per fiber pair, ensuring exceptional data transfer capabilities for the region. All three consortium partners will benefit from the northern portion of MANTA connecting the United States to Mexico, while Liberty Networks and Sparkle will also extend connectivity to Panama and Colombia through the southern segment.

“SubCom is honored to supply and deploy MANTA, which will provide a new reliable and resilient data route to a region that is seeing consistent demand for improved connectivity. Our capabilities as an advanced technology provider, high-quality manufacturer, and safe and efficient deployment partner will all be on exhibit during this project. We look forward to delivering on the vision of the partners and making MANTA a reality,” says David Coughlan, CEO, SubCom.