Why Unitirreno Leads with 24-Fibre Subsea Cable

Unitirreno Submarine Network S.p.A. has officially launched the Unitirreno submarine cable system, the world’s first operational 24-fibre pair repeatered subsea network. Developed in collaboration with Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) and Elettra Tlc S.p.A., the system introduces a new standard for performance, scalability and resilience across the Mediterranean.

Stretching 1,156km, the network connects Sicily, Sardinia, Rome, and Genoa, offering a total design capacity exceeding 624 terabits per second (Tbps).

With ultra-low latency and open service architecture, the cable establishes Italy as a strategic digital hub bridging Europe with Africa and the Middle East.

A technological first for the subsea industry

Engineered and manufactured by ASN and installed by Elettra, the Unitirreno cable marks a milestone in subsea communications. It is the first system to employ ASN’s XBU 24FP technology, an innovation that enables 24 fibre pairs per cable.

The central Genoa–Mazara trunk alone supports more than 26 Tbps per pair, while an additional four fibre pairs strengthen the Sardinia–Rome connection.

Advanced branching and fibre switching at Rome further enhances route flexibility, allowing direct connectivity between Genoa–Rome and Mazara–Rome.

The network’s performance achieves sub-9 millisecond latency from Sicily to Northern Europe via Genoa and Milan, unlocking new opportunities for latency-sensitive applications in cloud, AI and high-frequency trading.

Driving the next wave of Mediterranean data growth 

Unitirreno’s open cable system architecture delivers dark fibre, spectrum, and scalable capacity options designed for carrier, hyperscaler and enterprise demands. By offering secure and redundant paths that bypass traditionally congested hubs, the network ensures diversity and resilience for international connectivity.

Renato Brunetti, CEO of Unitirreno, said, “This marks a major achievement for Unitirreno and a proud moment for Italy. The Unitirreno cable system is now operational, providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity that will unlock new opportunities for businesses and communities across the region. It is more than just infrastructure; it’s a foundation for innovation, collaboration, and growth.”

The project demonstrates how Italy is becoming a focal point in global data exchange, supporting the region’s accelerating demand for bandwidth and high-performance connectivity.

Collaboration and engineering excellence

The delivery of the Unitirreno cable relied on close collaboration between three major industry players. ASN provided its advanced optical transmission systems, while Elettra oversaw installation using its cableship Teliri. The achievement reflects years of coordinated design, marine engineering and precision deployment.

Didier Dillard, CEO of Elettra, added, “We are delighted to see this cable system now ready for service after its installation by our cableship Teliri. This milestone reflects the efforts and dedication of Elettra teams at every stage of this major project.”

Unitirreno’s deployment introduces a carrier-neutral backbone built to serve the next generation of cloud and AI growth. Its network architecture supports both immediate bandwidth needs and future scalability, ensuring long-term value for operators and service providers.

As demand for high-capacity, low-latency infrastructure accelerates, the Unitirreno system delivers a timely boost to Mediterranean connectivity. Its combination of innovation, open access, and resilience positions it as a cornerstone of Europe’s digital transformation and a catalyst for regional economic growth.

With more than 624 Tbps of design capacity, open service flexibility, and sub-9 millisecond latency routes, Unitirreno represents not just a technological breakthrough but a new foundation for the Mediterranean’s role in the global digital ecosystem.