Laying the foundations for global connectivity

The enabling backbone of global connectivity, the “Global Internet” provides business-class internet services via undersea cables to ensure seamless connectivity across multiple international locations for multinational corporations and telecom operators. 

Each year more than 100 undersea cables are cut, primarily accidentally by fishing equipment or anchors. These cables, crucial for global connectivity, are owned by consortia of internet and telecom companies. Yet the potential for sabotage, particularly by nation-states, is an escalating risk, recently highlighted by unexplained failures in multiple cables off the West Coast of Africa in March this year which led to significant internet disruptions affecting at least 10 nations. This not only disrupted a significant portion of internet traffic between Asia and Europe but also highlighted geopolitical conflicts as well as the security of global internet infrastructure.

Following complex negotiations with operators in the region, in June this year we announced the unveiling of an alternative data transit route between Frankfurt and Hong Kong. The route passes through the Balkan regions, the Middle East and Central Asia and is the first alternative transit route ever created between the two continents. Part of the larger Digital Silk Way Project, the route is based on high-speed data transfer infrastructure, replacing reliance on existing subsea cable, and resulting in fast and secure data transfer. It offers an extra layer of resilience for all global organisations which rely on the global internet to do business and connects the Asian markets to the global internet.

The alternative Southern Route provides an extra layer of resilience and protection from physical damage, whether environmental or man-made and lays the foundations of the Digital Silk Road project which Telegraph42 is leading. The Digital Silk Road project is high speed data transfer infrastructure designed to increase regional connectivity potential and penetration, contributing to economic growth and supporting efforts to build a digital ecosystem in the region. 

Collaborating with telecom partners to improve internet infrastructure, ensures robust and secure communication solutions. The Digital Silk Road (DSR) project aims to extend the principles of the ancient Silk Road into the digital age, fostering digital infrastructure development, improving internet connectivity, and enhancing cyber cooperation in the region. The DSR seeks to bridge the digital divide by investing in fiber optic cables, satellite communication, e-commerce, and smart city projects across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. By promoting e-commerce platforms and digital payment systems, the DSR aims to streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. 

The Digital Silk Road project has already made significant strides in improving connectivity and fostering economic development with countries like Pakistan, Kenya, and Thailand which are now witnessing enhanced internet penetration and digital services, contributing to their economic growth and creating new opportunities for businesses in participating countries. Ensuring the security of digital networks is a critical aspect of the DSR. 

Such initiatives emphasize international cooperation in cybersecurity, aiming to establish unified standards and protocols to lay foundations and to protect against cyber threats. Delivering on the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity goals, whilst minimising the risk of complexities, requires a robust communication framework that supports the smooth operation of digital trade, governance, and cooperation.

The Digital Silk Road project and the new Southern Route are instrumental in shaping the future of global connectivity. By investing in digital infrastructure, promoting technological innovation, and enhancing secure communication, we are bridging the digital divide and fostering a more interconnected world. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, collaboration in such projects will be crucial in driving sustainable development and global prosperity. 

Additionally, Telegraph42 is providing premium interconnection services and operating several carrier and data centre neutral Internet Exchanges in Europe, the Middle East, North America, Asia, and Africa by building the world’s largest Internet Exchange in CIS region. This will enable networks, content providers and large enterprises to exchange internet traffic through the largest global peering solution across more than 35 markets. 

To fulfil the increasing demand in CIS region for transit capacity, Telegraph42 is establishing a consortium of partner companies into one legal entity. The “Sales House” consortium of partners will deliver land transit routes for Southeast Asia, China, the Persian Gulf countries, and the Indian region. The “Sales House” consortium aims to increase the share of ground transit infrastructure in the above markets. 

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Telegraph42 provides global IP transit and capacity technology that unlocks market growth by connecting corporations, nations and governments around the world to the global internet. 

Telegraph42 today has a proven track record in building highly scalable, Next Generation, high-speed fiber optic networks to increase internet transmission capacity, connect continents and close the digital divide. 

As one of the largest providers of communications services for operators, Telegraph42 has agreements in place with the world’s largest Tier 1 telecom operators as well as global data centres. With offices in Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Almaty, Telegraph42’s highly experienced and agile global team fosters partnerships and the collaborative approach required to overcome the many obstacles of connecting the world to the internet, whilst striving to create a healthier environment for telecom industry players.

Telegraph42 is at the heart of some of the world’s most strategic internet infrastructure projects, with a proven track record in leading the delivery of complex IP transit and global connectivity initiatives Telegraph42 has worked on over 200 projects with 150+ clients, partnering with service partners, and regional operators on big-scale projects to connect continents, countries, regions and multinational businesses to the global internet. 

https://tele-graph.de/

Waldemar Sterz

Waldemar Sterz is CEO of Telegraph42

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