Study Confirms Technical Feasibility
Chile has completed a comprehensive feasibility study for the first submarine fiber-optic cable connecting South America and Antarctica. The findings confirm that the system can be built using existing subsea cable technologies.
The project is led by Chile’s Undersecretariat of Telecommunications. According to SUBTEL’s official project materials, the study examined technical, legal, financial, environmental, social, geopolitical and governance issues.
“The study concludes that the project is technically feasible using existing submarine cable technologies. The challenge lies not in innovation but in execution,” the final study summary states
The assessment was prepared by a consortium comprising Salience Consulting and Pioneer Consulting. The $2.2 million study was financed by CAF — Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean — with support from the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance.
Cable Would Cross the Drake Passage
The proposed system would connect telecommunications infrastructure in Chile’s Magallanes Region with the Antarctic Peninsula through the Drake Passage.
Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams are being considered as the main continental connection points. Puerto Williams is already linked to Chile’s Fibra Óptica Austral network, allowing Antarctic traffic to reach national and international data networks through existing infrastructure.
The study assessed the connectivity requirements of 55 scientific and operational facilities. Its preferred architecture combines:
- a high-capacity submarine fiber backbone;
- reinforced terrestrial fiber between selected stations;
- microwave links for isolated facilities;
- satellite services as a backup connection.
Each Antarctic landing point could receive a dedicated fiber pair providing between 15 and 30 Tbit/s. This would substantially exceed the capacity currently available through satellite systems.
Scientific Data Could Move in Real Time
Antarctic stations currently depend primarily on satellite communications. Limited bandwidth and signal latency restrict the transmission of large climate, oceanographic, glaciological and satellite datasets.
Fiber connectivity would allow researchers to operate instruments remotely, collaborate internationally in real time and transfer observations directly to universities and research centers.
The cable could also function as a scientific instrument. The project allows for the integration of SMART technology and subsea sensors supporting ocean and geological monitoring.
According to the MCDF project assessment, reliable high-capacity communications would promote scientific discovery, international cooperation and the safety of people working in Antarctica’s extreme environment.
Investment Is Estimated at About $621 Million
The preferred expanded configuration is estimated to require approximately $621 million, with annual operating expenditure projected at $12–18 million. A smaller initial configuration could allow the infrastructure to be deployed in stages.
Technical feasibility does not yet represent a final investment decision. Financing, international coordination, environmental approvals and the creation of a neutral governance structure remain the main obstacles.
The study recommends establishing a dedicated project company involving participating governments and scientific institutions. Its governance model would need to prevent control by any single party while guaranteeing transparent and non-discriminatory access.
Polar Conditions Remain the Main Risk
Cable installation through the Drake Passage would face strong winds, heavy seas and a short Antarctic working season. Marine surveys and installation operations may be limited to only a few months each year.
Near landing sites, the cable would require protection from ice movement and seabed erosion. Proposed measures include double-armored cable, burial below the seabed and horizontal directional drilling at shore approaches.
The preliminary environmental assessment found that most physical impacts would be minor or temporary. Nevertheless, the project must secure approvals under both Chilean legislation and the Antarctic Treaty System.
If financing and international agreements are secured, the cable could enter service around 2034. The project would position Chile as the principal digital gateway connecting Antarctica with global scientific and communications networks.
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