A new submarine internet cable linking the Republic of Cyprus and Syria is expected to become operational in early 2028, significantly strengthening telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity across the Eastern Mediterranean.
The new cable, named Ugarit 2, is being developed by UNIFI Communications, the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta) and the Syrian Telecommunications Establishment.
According to a joint announcement, the system will feature 24 fibre pairs and an initial capacity of 31 Tbps, while its total designed capacity could eventually reach 370 Tbps.
Replacing the cable installed in 1995
Ugarit 2 will replace the existing Ugarit cable, which has been operational since 1995 and has served as a key telecommunications link between Syria and Cyprus for more than three decades.
The existing system stretches approximately 239 kilometres, connecting the landing point at Pentaskhinos in Cyprus with Tartous in Syria, and has a capacity of just 622 Mbps.
Ugarit 2 is expected to follow a similar route but will provide a vastly greater data transmission capacity.
UNIFI Communications founder and CEO Adrian Shatku described the project as Syria’s first major international infrastructure agreement of the post-sanctions period, arguing that it would reconnect a country of around 20 million people with global internet networks.
According to Shatku, the new system will be delivered by a US prime contractor that will hold a 5% stake in the project, under a relevant licence issued by the US Treasury Department.
Nokia and Prysmian involved in the project
Major suppliers have already been selected for the construction of the new connection.
Nokia will provide the DWDM optical transmission equipment for the first phase, while Prysmian (NSW) will undertake the submarine section of the cable.
A marine survey of the proposed cable route is also currently underway.
Wider modernisation of Syria’s digital infrastructure
Ugarit 2 forms part of a broader effort to modernise Syria’s digital infrastructure following extensive damage suffered during the war.
In February, the Syrian government awarded Saudi telecommunications group STC Group a 75% stake in the “Silklink” project, valued at approximately 3 billion Saudi riyals ($800 million).
The project includes plans to construct data centres, submarine cable landing stations and approximately 4,500 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across Syria.
The development of Ugarit 2 is also expected to strengthen Cyprus’ position as a telecommunications hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, at a time when submarine digital connections are becoming increasingly important from both an economic and geostrategic perspective.
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