How Submarine Cables Keep UrbanConnect Users Globally Connected

When it comes to internet performance, most people think of home fibre or WiFi routers — but what really defines a world-class connection is how your traffic moves globally. At UrbanConnect, we’ve invested directly in international bandwidth on key submarine cable systems to ensure consistent speed, low latency, and reliable performance for everyday internet use — whether you’re working from home, attending online meetings, or unwinding with your favourite series.

Submarine fibre optic cables carry over 99% of the world’s international internet traffic. For South Africa, they form the digital bridge to the rest of the world — and for us at UrbanConnect, they’re part of what enables a smooth, interruption-free experience for every household and home office we connect.

How UrbanConnect Uses Internet Cables in the Ocean

At UrbanConnect, we don’t just rely on standard upstream links. We’ve strategically purchased capacity on global subsea fibre optic cables that connect South Africa to the world’s digital hubs — optimising for performance, speed, and reliability across every online activity.

Shortest Path = Faster Speeds

Our bandwidth travels on the shortest, fastest routes available to major global regions. That means when you’re loading cloud files, joining a video call, or streaming content from the US, Europe, or Asia — your data takes a direct path with minimal delay.

Direct International Peering

We connect into global internet exchanges, which gives us the ability to manage traffic more efficiently and reduce unnecessary rerouting. The result? Faster load times and a more consistent connection during peak hours.

Built-In Redundancy

We maintain active capacity across multiple undersea fibre cable systems. If one route experiences a disruption — whether due to maintenance or natural causes — our system automatically shifts your connection to an alternate link, ensuring uptime and stability.

Performance-First Design

Our international cable routing isn’t generic. It’s designed with the modern household in mind — prioritising services like Zoom, Netflix, Teams, Google Meet, and cloud platforms. Expect less jitter, better upload stability, and smooth high-resolution streaming.

Why UrbanConnect’s Submarine Cable Strategy Matters

UrbanConnect operates across several major international submarine cable systems serving South Africa, selected specifically for their performance advantages:

• Equiano: Ultra-low latency and high-capacity route to Europe.
  
  

• SAFE: Excellent latency for traffic to Asia and Australasia.
  
  

• SACS: Fast, efficient path to South America.
  
  

• 2Africa: Seamless connectivity between KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and Europe — enabled by our partnership with WIOCC.
  
  

• WACS, SEACOM, EASSy, SAT-3/WASC: Provide essential redundancy and backup connectivity.
  
  

These cables deliver:

• Reliable Speeds across all devices, even during peak usage
  
  

• Lower Latency, with average ping from 160ms depending on your location
  
  

• Lag-Free Streaming and smooth video conferencing
  
  

• Always-On Backup Routes in the event of cable faults
  
  

• Global Reach for work, learning, and entertainment
  
  

Whether you're backing up files to the cloud, hosting webinars, or bingeing the latest show in 4K, our network keeps your experience seamless — powered by some of the most advanced infrastructure on the planet.

Smart Routing and Always-On Redundancy

Submarine fibre cables are just one piece of the puzzle. UrbanConnect also maintains strong international peering agreements with global cloud platforms and streaming services to reduce the number of “hops” your data takes. This translates to faster response times and fewer interruptions when working or relaxing online.

When unforeseen events like earthquakes, anchor damage, or marine activity impact a cable system, our intelligent routing shifts traffic in real time across alternative undersea paths — meaning you stay online, with no buffering or outages.

Why Underwater Internet Cables Matter for Your Daily Life

At UrbanConnect, we understand that reliability and speed aren’t just for gamers — they’re essential for professionals, remote workers, and families who rely on their connection every day. Our investments in strategic international routing and redundant infrastructure mean you can enjoy:

• Fast file transfers
  
  

• Lag-free video calls
  
  

• Buffer-free streaming
  
  

• Uninterrupted smart home connectivity
  
  

It’s not just fibre. It’s fibre that’s backed by global infrastructure, engineered for a smarter, smoother digital lifestyle.

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