News item | 14-08-2025 | 14:15
Bonaire will be connected to the Celia data cable in 2027. This brings a more reliable and more stable internet within reach. SABA Statia Cable System BV (SSCS) recently signed an agreement with the Aruban telecom company Setar, one of the initiators of the Celia Kabel. SSCS did this on behalf of the Central Government, 100% shareholder of SSCS.
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Fast, reliable and stable internet is a precondition for (new) digital government services. That is why this investment is important. The central government has also given a 4 million euro subsidy to the telecom providers on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba to further roll out fiber optics on the islands.
Consortium
Celia (Caribbean Elite Alliance) is a consortium of a number of telecom companies that are active in the Caribbean. The data cable, planned to become operational in the end of 2027, connects Aruba, Martinique, Antigua, Puerto Rico and Boca Raton in Florida.
The connection of Bonaire to the Celia cable makes a more reliable and better price-quality possible.
“The new internet cable Celia is good news for the islands in the Caribbean,” Thus outgoing State Secretary Eddie of Marum of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), responsible for Kingdom Relations and Digitization. “This cable provides faster and better internet for people and companies. That is essential for the economic development of the islands. Investing in digital connections is an important spearhead of the government to create prosperity and employment.”
Digital connection
The digital connection between the islands is important, says Setar Director Roland Croes. “”Investments such as Celia guarantee the connection of islands with the global data network and contribute to economic development. In the founding of Celia we took the possible expansion to the other islands so that our islands are not isolated from technological developments and can participate in the global data world. “
Marine Survey ship
Preparations for the construction of the sea cable have started. In the last week of August, a Marine Survey ship will be visible off the coast of Bonaire. The ship will portray in detail between Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire and the seabed with advanced sonar equipment.
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Map
“To be able to install a sea cable, the seabed should first be carefully mapped along the route in depth, height differences, available coral, wrecks and/or other material. We are advised by, among others, Stinapa Bonaire, Cultural Heritage and Rijkswaterstaat. Based on this navy Survey, the definitive Route, Het Het Hand, tells, Het Het Hand, Het Het Hand, Het Hand, Het Het, Het Het, Het Het.
The Celia cable will be expanded not only to Bonaire in 2027, but also to Curaçao. Setar and Curaçao signed a contract for this earlier this year. The project is made possible in part by a EU subsidy from the CEF Digital Fund.
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