Vodafone Greece has successfully connected the island of Crete to the India-Europe-Xpress (IEX) submarine cable system.
This groundbreaking connection was established via the SubCom-sealed IEX system in Tympaki, Heraklion, linking it to Vodafone’s regional cable station in Greece.
Spanning nearly 10,000 kilometers, the IEX system forms part of a larger transcontinental project that includes the India-Asia-Xpress (IAX) system. This network stretches from Mumbai to Europe and, leveraging the IAX connection, reaches Singapore while also providing links to the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean, with landing points in France, Italy, and Greece.
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The new Tympaki cable landing station represents a significant technological advancement, as it is the first-of-its-kind in southern Crete, offering increased capacity and resilience to the island’s telecommunications infrastructure. This strategic move diversifies the island’s connectivity, which has been heavily reliant on northern Crete.
The facility is designed to be an “open” submarine fiber optic cable station, ensuring equal access for all projects and providers. This open-access model is expected to attract investment from other major cable systems, further enhancing Crete’s position as a digital hub that connects the island to global networks.
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The introduction of advanced AI technologies at the new station represents a significant step towards optimizing operational efficiency and network management. By leveraging AI-driven analytics, Vodafone is committed to enhancing service reliability and performance, ensuring seamless connectivity that meets the growing demands of both local and international users. This investment in AI underscores Vodafone’s dedication to providing high-quality service and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.
Nikos Plevris, Network Director of Vodafone Greece, commented, “The launch of the India-Europe-Xpress (IEX) submarine cable in Tympaki affirms our vision of establishing this new station as a critical asset for Greece’s infrastructure. Being the first-of-its-kind in southern Crete, it offers unprecedented value by connecting Greece and Crete to global cable systems. Undersea cables are vital in overcoming geographical barriers, enabling robust global connectivity that drives economic growth. This investment positions Greece as a key player on the global digital map, unlocking new opportunities for Vodafone partners and resellers throughout the region.”