Google Volunteered as a 'Bridge' Between Middle East 'Foes'... Saudi-Israel Optical Fiber Network Construction

Indo-European Connected Optical Network
Relieving the Burden on Europe-Asia Communication Routes Focused on Egypt
Requires Approval Procedures from Each Country
Promoted with the Help of Improved Arab-Israel Relations

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Google is pushing forward with the construction of a fiber optic network connecting Saudi Arabia and Israel. Taking advantage of the easing of hostilities between Arab countries and Israel, the plan is to create a new internet connection from India to Europe, effectively opening a new internet highway.

On the 23rd (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources, reported that Google is promoting a fiber optic cable network connecting Saudi Arabia and Israel as a way to bypass Egypt, where internet traffic is concentrated. WSJ explained that Google has been competing to build networks to support video and search services, and this plan emerged during that effort.

Named Blue Raman in honor of Indian physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, this project involves an investment of $400 million (443.9 billion KRW) to connect over 8,000 km (5,000 miles). Google expects telecommunications operators to participate in this project as partner companies.

The fiber optic network will be connected via undersea cables from India to Saudi Arabia, then connected overland through Jordan and Israel. Afterward, Google plans to utilize existing undersea communication networks installed in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Officials involved in the Blue Raman project explained that the project has not yet materialized. Since the project crosses multiple national borders, it requires approval from various regulatory agencies. For example, Google still needs to obtain project approvals from Saudi Arabia and other countries.

Google's consideration of the fiber optic network connecting Saudi Arabia and Israel is due to the current concentration of data traffic on lines passing through Egypt. As Egypt is located at a bridge position connecting Asia and Europe, it imposes excessive cost burdens on communication network users. Besides the cost burden, the concentration of data causes bottlenecks, raising concerns that the internet could potentially stop functioning.

WSJ attributed the emergence of this project plan to recent political environmental changes. Recently, countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Sudan have normalized diplomatic relations with Israel and are improving ties. Saudi Arabia has also taken steps to improve relations by increasing commercial ties with Israel.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.