Dhiraagu is in the process of connecting the Maldives to the rest of the world through an 837 km fiber optic submarine cable.
The cable reached the landing station at Maldives on 14th Nov 2006 at around 1430 hrs.
Dhiraagu's submarine cable network project contracted to Japan's NEC Corporation, is estimated to be USD 27 million in total.
Once this project is completed, Dhiraagu will have one international and three domestic submarine cable links. The international link is the connection between Sri Lanka and Maldives, and the remaining links will be between Hulhumale and Male', between Male' and Kaafu Villingili, and the last link connecting Laamu Gan and Gaafu Dhaal Gadhoo, across 238 km the One and Half Degree channel .
Currently this domestic link is served through a satellite connection, establishing links through the submarine cable would enable for Dhiraagu to highly improve the quality of service and minimize the huge costs incurred for using satellite bandwidth.
The submarine cable project is in partnership with Sri Lanka Telecom (15%) and Dhiraagu (85%). Dhiraagu decided to lay its submarine cable on 01st May 2006 when it signed the MoU between Sri Lanka Telecom, and since then the project has progressed at an exemplary speed.
The link between Hulhumale and Male' will be completed on 16th Nov 2006, followed by the link from Male' to Villingili Island on 17th Nov 2006. The last link between Laamu Gan and Gaaf Dhaal Gadhoo will be established before the end of the month. It is anticipated that Dhiraagu will be ready to provide service to its customer using this cable by early February 2007.
Dhiraagu's main purpose of deploying the submarine cable network is to offer quality service to its customers at an affordable price. With Dhiraagu's new submarine cable network in place, customers will be able to experience the latest technological and high quality services.
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Dhiraagu Customer Services