- Brazil plans to join a Chile-led project to lay a fiber optic cable connecting South America and Asia, in a bid to expand digital connectivity in the region
- The $388-million, 8,000-mile cable would connect Valparaiso, Chile through New Zealand to Sydney, Australia, where it could be linked to lines in Asia
- Brazil’s decision to participate is critical to Chilean efforts, which also has seen Argentina join the project
BRASILIA, Brazil: Brazil plans to join a Chile-led project to lay a fiber optic cable connecting South America and Asia, in a bid to expand digital connectivity in the region.
The $388-million, 8,000-mile cable would connect Valparaiso, Chile through New Zealand to Sydney, Australia, where it could be linked to lines in Asia.
“The incorporation of Brazil to this project gives it a definitive economic viability, and at the same time a definitive political viability, as well,” said Chile’s foreign minister, Andres Allamand, as quoted by Reuters.
Brazil’s decision to participate is critical to Chilean efforts, which also has seen Argentina join the project.
Brazil, Argentina and Chile represent 80 percent of South America’s internet traffic.
“The project will complete the fiber optic connection of Brazil with its neighbors, consolidating regional digital infrastructure and positioning Brazil as a leader in the digital transformation and digital market in the region,” Brazil’s foreign and communications ministries said, in a joint statement.
Additionally, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia might participate in the project, which seeks to increase internet connectivity for 270 million people on the continent.
