The Bottom/Oranjestad – If all goes according to schedule Saba and St. Eustatius will have a fiber optic cable laid before the end of 2011. The Executive Councils of the Public Entities of Saba and St. Eustatius and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations (BZK) last week reached an agreement on the laying of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic will connect the islands of St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Kitts.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations (BZK) is covering the costs of the project. This makes it possible to lay the cable making the islands stable and reliable for the future keeping up with the international internet- and telecommunication infrastructure. With the laying of the fiber optic cable all parties are striving for better, faster and cheaper internet facilities on the islands for consumers, companies, students and local governments.
During the last months extensive research was carried out on the impact of the cable and a marine survey was also conducted. With the marine survey specialized ships mapped out the route and ocean floor. A suitable route and landing location were determined for each island in close cooperation with the concerned marine park managers.
The cable will be laid on assignment of the Ministry of Home Affairs & Kingdom Relations (BZK) and will be a responsibility of Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland (RCN). In the coming months the necessary permits will be requested at the local authorities and the execution of project the will commence. Depending on the weather conditions the fiber optic cable is expected to be realized before the end of the year.