French telecoms equipment firm, Alcatel-Lucent has signed an agreement with the Algerian ministry of post, information technology and communications to deploy a 560 km fiber-optic undersea cable that will link Oran in Algeria to Valencia, Spain.

A statement on Monday noted that completion of the 100 gigabit-per-second system should be expected in 2016.

And Alcatel-Lucent will be lead contractor in charge of designing and manufacturing the system in consortium with IT Marine who will be responsible for marine operations.

The speed and capacity of undersea cable will facilitate the delivery of broadband services to an estimated 42 million internet users in Algeria and Spain, says the statement.

Commenting on the agreement, Abdelhak Benkrid, general secretary of the MPITC said, “Broadband access is a fundamental contributor to both businesses and consumers. The Orval network represents a strategic technology investment that will strengthen access to high-quality network services. Based on Alcatel-Lucent’s technology and expertise, Orval will give us an edge to continue developing our service offer to and to an increasing number of broadband users.”

Philippe Dumont, president of Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks added, “The Orval undersea cable system will help meet the broadband demand and strengthen overall connectivity in the Mediterranean.

"As we enter in an upward cycle of submarine cables constructions, this new project highlights the continued need for higher capacity and connectivity that is critical for broadband expansion.”