The BT Highlands and Islands Submarine Cable System is a telecommunications infrastructure that consists of a network of submarine cables that connect various locations in the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland. The system was developed and is owned by BT Group, a British multinational telecommunications company.
The submarine cable system was designed to enhance the availability and reliability of voice, data, and internet services in remote and rural areas of Scotland. It was also intended to support the growing demand for high-speed broadband services, particularly in Scotland's tourism and business sectors.
The infrastructure comprises of two main components: a submarine cable network that spans over 250km, connecting several coastal towns and villages, and land-based cables that connect the submarine cables to BT's national network.
The submarine cables were installed in 2016 and have a capacity of up to 10Gbps, providing high-speed internet connectivity to some of Scotland's most remote communities. The cables were installed using the latest technology, which makes them resistant to damage from fishing activities and other underwater hazards.
Overall, the BT Highlands and Islands Submarine Cable System has significantly improved telecommunications connectivity in remote parts of Scotland, enabling businesses and individuals to access vital services and information that were previously inaccessible.