CANUS 1 Fiber-Optic Submarine Cable Comes into Service

The CANUS 1 fiber-optic submarine cable, which connects the United States to Canada, has officially entered service, announced Charles Schmitz, Executive Vice President of OPTEL Communications Inc. The cable, partially owned by OPTEL, has successfully completed pre-service tests and is expected to provide a cost-effective platform for new transport services, including B-ISDN, multimedia, and broadband services. OPTEL Communications Inc. has partnered with Sprint and Cable & Wireless/Mercury Communications Ltd. to operate and maintain the cable.

Key Takeaways:

• CANUS 1 is a 5,500-mile fiber-optic submarine cable that links the United States to Canada, utilizing SDH technology.
• The cable connects at Pennant Point, Nova Scotia, with CANTAT-3, forming the Globesystem Atlantic network.
• CANUS 1 was completed within budget and on schedule, meeting or surpassing industry standards.
• The cable has an operational speed of 2.5 Gbit/s per fiber pair and can accommodate 60,000 simultaneous telephone conversations.
• Capacity on CANUS 1 is available on demand, with OPTEL holding U.S. landing and operating rights for the cable.
• OPTEL has partnered with Sprint and Cable & Wireless/Mercury Communications Ltd. for cable operation and maintenance.
• The Globesystem Atlantic network provides global connectivity to traditional and new carriers and resellers.

Statistics:

• CANUS 1 spans 5,500 miles, connecting the United States to Canada.
• The cable uses SDH technology for intercontinental communication.
• The cable has an operational speed of 2.5 Gbit/s per fiber pair.
• CANUS 1 can accommodate 60,000 simultaneous telephone conversations.
• OPTEL holds 50% ownership in CANUS 1 and markets its portion of the capacity from the U.S.
• Sprint and Cable & Wireless/Mercury Communications Ltd. will provide restoration via the PTAT 1 cable.

Sources:

• "CANUS 1 Fiber-Optic Submarine Cable Comes into Service." PR Newswire. Nov 29, 1995.