Cable & Wireless International has selected Azea Networks to provide its NX10 terminal equipment and management system solution for a new $22m "next generation" fibre optic cable link between Bermuda and the US.

Additionally, Azea will provide technical support for this innovative project, which will use the established Gemini cable, part of which will be picked up and diverted to land in Bermuda.

Although the cable system was originally designed for operation at 4 x 2.5 Gbit/s, the new terminal equipment will enable a capacity of 16 x 10 Gbit/s on each of the two fibre pairs, thus providing for future expansion.

Re-using the Gemini cable capitalises on an existing asset and will result in a rapid and cost effective implementation, according to a statement reporting the contract deal.

Azea will also be involved in ensuring that the recovered and re-engineered cable meets the transmission requirements for maximising long-term capacity and in moving power feed equipment.

"Azea was chosen because their equipment meets our requirements for a modern, cost effective solution," said Eddie Saints, chief executive of Cable & Wireless Bermuda.

"The resulting link will feature 1+1 protection to create a highly reliable link with the capability to expand to meet future traffic needs".

"We are delighted to be selected to provide the terminal Equipment for this imaginative project," said Mike Hynes, chief operating officer of Azea Networks, addding: "And our involvement in the cable engineering and re-deployment of power feed equipment is a natural fit with Azea's policy of providing complete turnkey solutions to the submarine cable market."