Egypt–Greece Subsea Cable MoU Overview
On April 3, 2022, Egypt and Greece signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cable and connectivity infrastructure between the two countries. This Egypt Greece subsea cable MoU focuses on new fiber and subsea routes that support rising traffic between the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
The agreement links Telecom Egypt—Egypt’s first integrated operator and a major subsea cable hub—with GRID Telecom, the wholesale arm of Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO). Together, they will explore future systems and routes that improve capacity, resilience, and latency.
Planned Fiber Route and Strategic Goals
Although the MoU does not finalize a full system design, Egypt plans to invest $60 million in a new fiber‑optic submarine cable across the Mediterranean Sea to Greece. In addition, detailed technical studies will determine the most efficient and secure path.
Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat stressed that Egypt’s geographic position at the crossroads of three continents gives it a natural role as a regional data hub. By adding more diverse paths, Egypt and Greece can route additional traffic between the Middle East and Europe and reduce dependence on existing corridors.
Long‑Standing Ties and New Digital Bridges
Talaat also pointed to the deep economic, political, and cultural ties between Egypt and Greece. Both nations count among the world’s oldest civilizations, and now they aim to extend that history into the digital era.
He noted that the MoU should strengthen cooperation in communications and information technology. More specifically, it will help increase data volumes that cross the Mediterranean through Egypt and Greece, turning heritage links into high‑capacity digital routes.
Using Telecom Egypt and GRID Telecom Networks
The strategic agreement allows both parties to test different connectivity options between Greece and Egypt. At the same time, it encourages optimal use of each company’s networks and their reach into neighboring markets.
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Telecom Egypt operates an international network that connects to over 140 landing points in more than 60 countries.
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GRID Telecom runs a domestic fiber network of more than 4,000 km in Greece, with access to regional and international gateways.
By combining these footprints, the partners can design flexible solutions that support carriers, cloud providers, and content platforms.
Egypt’s Role as a Regional Data Hub
Egypt already acts as a key transit corridor for global internet traffic. Today, it carries data between Asia, Africa, and Europe through more than 13 submarine cables. Moreover, that number should rise to 18 systems within three years, further increasing route diversity and resiliency.
IPTO Chairman and CEO Manos Manousakis said that working with a leading subsea cable operator aligns with IPTO’s international growth strategy. He added that the MoU can help Greece emerge as a major telecom hub in the wider Mediterranean, complementing Egypt’s position and expanding options for international connectivity.
