GCP – Strengthening network resilience with the Sol transatlantic cable

Today, we’re announcing Sol, a new transatlantic subsea cable system to connect the U.S., Bermuda, the Azores, and Spain. Sol translates to “sun” in Spanish and Portuguese, a nod to the cable system’s landing points in warmer climates. Alongside the Nuvem subsea cable, Sol completes our unique investment in transatlantic resiliency — with the two systems interconnecting terrestrially in the U.S. and in Iberia, as well as in Bermuda and the Azores. 

The Sol cable will be manufactured in the U.S. and, once operational, bolster capacity and reliability for our growing network of 42 Google Cloud regions around the world, helping meet growing customer demand for Google Cloud and AI services across the U.S., Europe, and beyond.  

Palm Coast, Florida, will anchor the Sol cable in the U.S. We’ll partner with DC BLOX to land the cable and establish a new connectivity hub in the Sunshine State. We’ll also develop a terrestrial route linking Palm Coast to our South Carolina cloud region.

When it’s complete, Sol will be the only in-service fiber-optic cable between Florida and Europe. In Spain, we’ll partner with Telxius to provide the necessary infrastructure to land the Sol cable in Santander, further integrating the Google Cloud region in Madrid into our global network. 

“Florida is once again at the forefront of strengthening our nation’s digital infrastructure. The anchoring of the Sol subsea cable in our state is a testament to our state’s commitment to fostering an environment that is ripe for technological investment and innovation. We are proud to partner with companies like Google and DC BLOX on strategic infrastructure projects that will support the future of AI innovation and bring tangible benefits to our communities and the entire Sunshine State.” – J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce

“This is a landmark moment for Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Flagler County, and it’s a clear signal that we are a community of the future, investing in our economic development and vitality. The Sol subsea cable is more than just infrastructure; it’s a gateway to unprecedented global connectivity that will attract further high-caliber industries that our residents deserve. We are not just putting Palm Coast and our community on the map; we are building a direct route to the world’s digital economy, ensuring a prosperous and dynamic future for our community.” – Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri, Palm Coast, Florida 

 “DC BLOX is proud and honored to expand the foundational digital infrastructure that is vital to Florida’s growing economy. Supporting Google’s Sol cable, along with the capacity for additional cables, the new Palm Coast Cable Landing Station campus enhances Florida’s position as a nexus for global communications.” – Chris Gatch, Chief Revenue Officer, DC BLOX 

“Digital connectivity is today a strategic factor for the economic and social development of any city. At Santander City Council, we are committed to facilitating this type of infrastructure because its implementation attracts investment, talent, and technology companies, in addition to generating employment and positioning us as a city prepared for remote work, advanced services, and the Smart City model. That’s why we appreciate the interest that Google has shown in our coast and for choosing Santander as a transatlantic connection point!” – City Council Mayor Gema Igual, Santander, Spain, 

“Telxius is delighted to support Google in bringing the Sol cable to Spain, a key milestone that will boost transatlantic connectivity with enhanced capacity, reliability, and resilience. Through our submarine landing services, we accelerate project implementation and help expand global networks for our customers.” – Mario Martín, CEO, Telxius

“The Government of the Azores welcomes this important investment in the region with great enthusiasm and congratulates Google on its visionary, pioneering, and strategic approach, which fully aligns with our own vision: that the Azores are an important and strategic hub for digital connectivity in Europe and the North Atlantic.” – Artur Lima, Vice President, Government of the Azores

“Promoting the expansion and modernization of submarine cable infrastructure, with a view to strengthening the country’s international connectivity and digital competitiveness, is an essential goal for the government to the development of our country. The project for Google’s new “Sol” cable, with 16 fiber optic cable pairs and the potential to provide redundancy to the “Nuvem” cable, also from that company, will increase resilience and respond to the growing demand for digital infrastructure in Portugal and Europe.”– Miguel Pinto Luz, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Portugal

“Bermuda welcomes Google’s continued investment with the announcement of a second cable ‘Sol,’ further establishing Bermuda as a digital hub in the Atlantic. Bermuda greatly values its positive relationship with Google. This second cable highlights the benefits of this Government’s strategy to develop Bermuda as a progressive world leading jurisdiction for technology companies.” – Alexa Lightbourne, Minister of Home Affairs, Bermuda

Sol will add capacity, increase reliability, and decrease latency for Google users and Google Cloud customers around the world. Alongside cable systems like Nuvem, Firmina, Equiano, and Grace Hopper, Sol further establishes key locations across the Atlantic as connectivity hubs, strengthening local economies and bringing AI’s benefits to people and businesses around the world.