The internet feels invisible; until it’s not. Behind every video call, cloud backup, or AI-powered app is a physical network of cables and connections that make it all possible. And that network is constantly evolving to keep up with the growing demand for speed, capacity, and reliability.
Segra is taking a big step forward with the construction of a new direct inland fiber route connecting the Myrtle Beach Cable Landing Station to Charlotte, North Carolina. This isn’t just another fiber line; it’s a critical link for the digital economy, designed to support the massive data needs of hyperscale, AI and international networks.
Why does this matter? Myrtle Beach has become an important landing point for subsea cables that carry data across the Atlantic. Once ashore, that data must move inland to reach carriers, cloud platforms and end users. Up to now, most inland connections have stayed close to the coast, leaving them exposed to hurricanes and other risks. Segra’s inland build takes a different approach, carving a direct path through Florence to Charlotte and adding a safer, more reliable option for moving traffic off the beach. By creating a direct inland path through Florence, South Carolina, to Charlotte, this project adds a layer of resiliency to the network. Think of it as a backup plan for your data; if one route is disrupted, there’s another option to keep things running smoothly.
But it’s not just about reliability. This new route is built for capacity. On Day 1, it will handle 29.4Tb of data on the C-Band, with the ability to double that to 58.8Tb by adding L-Band capacity. That’s enough data to support the growing demands of cloud computing, AI applications and international traffic.
The technology behind the route is just as impressive. Segra is using advanced platforms from Ciena to deliver high data rates, flexible wavelength options and scalable bandwidth. In plain terms, this means the network can adapt and grow as data needs increase, ensuring it stays ahead of the curve.
For hyperscale and international network providers, this new route is a game-changer. The new route gives carriers and hyperscale providers a faster way to move huge amounts of data without bottlenecks. For everyone else, it simply means the internet works more smoothly.
Construction starts later this year, and once the route is finished in 2026, it will be part of the foundation that keeps the region’s networks reliable and ready for what comes next. To learn more, visit www.segra.com.