Google plans to construct a telecommunications infrastructure facility in the Azores.
In a significant move towards enhancing global digital infrastructure, Google has announced two new submarine cable projects: Nuvem and Sol. These projects, set to connect key locations across the Atlantic, will land on São Miguel Island in the Azores, marking a strategic step in Google's commitment to supporting cloud services and artificial intelligence.
The Nuvem cable system connects the U.S. East Coast with Portugal and Bermuda, providing a high-capacity fiber-optic link. Extended to include an Azores landing point in June 2024, Nuvem aims to strengthen connectivity and offer redundancy in Google's network infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Sol cable system connects Florida with Bermuda, the Azores, Spain, and Portugal. Designed to increase capacity, reliability, and reduce latency in data transmission, Sol will complement and interconnect with the Nuvem cable.
The Sol cable will develop a terrestrial route connecting Palm Coast, Florida, to Google's Cloud region in South Carolina. In the Azores, the Sol cable will be anchored in São Miguel Island. Sol's landing in the Azores is expected to boost economic and technological opportunities for the region.
Google will install a telecommunications building in Lot 32 B of the Technoparque, covering an area of approximately 15,000 square meters. This installation, for a cable reception station, is seen as a sign of recognition of Lagoa's potential and quality by the multinational technological company Google.
The Sol cable system will establish a partnership with DC BLOX to anchor the cable and establish a new 'hub' of connectivity in Florida, USA. This partnership further strengthens the Sol cable's global connectivity.
Artur Lima, the Vice-President of the Azores Government, highlighted the Regional Government's efforts in conversations with Google over several months. The installation is expected to offer an alternative route for transatlantic submarine systems, with lower latency and greater resilience.
Google's announcement of the Sol cable system was made on its blog this month. The president of the Municipal Chamber of Lagoa, Frederico Sousa, considered the installation a "historic milestone" for the city and the Azores, positioning them as a "strategic pole in the national and international technological panorama."
In conclusion, the Nuvem and Sol submarine cables are pivotal in strengthening digital connectivity between the U.S., Europe, and the North Atlantic, while elevating the strategic importance of the Azores in global digital infrastructure. These projects contribute to Google's mission of enhancing global digital infrastructure, supporting AI and cloud services, and are expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Azores by positioning it as a crucial digital hub.
[1] Google Blog Post - Sol Cable System Announcement (Date of publication not provided) [2] Azores Government Press Release - Google's Investment in the Azores (Date of publication not provided) [3] Google Whitepaper - Strengthening Global Connectivity with Nuvem and Sol (Date of publication not provided) [4] Google Newsroom - Google's Submarine Cable Projects to Boost Digital Connectivity (Date of publication not provided)
- The Sol cable system, along with the Nuvem cable, is a part of Google's data-and-cloud-computing technology, aiming to strengthen connectivity and offer redundancy, while also boosting economic and technological opportunities by positioning the Azores as a crucial digital hub.
- As part of their commitment to enhancing global digital infrastructure, Google's technology-driven projects, such as the Nuvem and Sol cable systems, will leverage advanced weather data in their network infrastructure designs, ensuring optimal performance in various climatic conditions.
