A river runs through it: Brazil plans underwater fibre network in the Amazon

The Brazilian authorities are reportedly studying an ambitious plan to deploy a 7,784km underwater fibre network in the Amazon basin. According to BNAmericas, the ‘Conexao Norte’ (Northern Connection) scheme has been developed by Brazilian fibre-optic systems manufacturer Padtec, in conjunction with national research network Rede Nacional de Ensino e Pesquisa (RNP), state-controlled telco Telebras and state-run power firm Eletrobras, with help from the army’s ICT department. A 12km pilot project will commence in Amazonas state capital Manaus in March, according to proposal documents. Ultimately, the network will encompass six optical fibre routes, making use of the Amazon basin’s riverbeds.