The Panama Canal opens an Information Canal across the Isthmus
In late 2002, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) opened its new Information Channel, which spans 78 kilometres across the Isthmus, connecting its main communication center in Balboa (Building No. 69) to the Gatún Locks (red line) and to the Mount Hope area (blue line), both on the Atlantic side. The ACP now has available for rent to domestic and international telecommunication companies, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) transisthmian ducts, 1-1/2 inches in diameter, connected by manholes at every kilometre. Further, fiber optic strands may be rented within ACP high capacity cable installed inside one of the ducts. Finally, we also offer broadband data transmission services between Panama, Colon and intermediate points, through the fiber optic network, with a minimum rental of 2.048 mbps.
The system
also interconnects several telecommunication sites along the Canal, in which
we offer space for equipment and antennas. These sites allow coverage of Panama
City, Arraijan, Chorrera, the Transisthmian highway, Colon and the Free Zone.
These sites have auxiliary electric plants, air conditioning, surveillance,
alarms monitoring and lightning protection.
The ACP network has among its present customers, Internet, cable television, cellular phone and international submarine cable providers. The transisthmian system is also interconnected to Panama City's banking area through a strategic alliance with a local company. In the future, depending on demand, the system could be expanded to the west side of the Canal (yellow line) ending up at the former Fort Sherman lighthouse, a few meters away from the Atlantic coast. This would provide the opportunity for large world telecommunications conglomerates to connect their fiber optic submarine cables to their own networks in the Pacific Ocean, through the Canal's duct system.
For more information, you may contact the Business Service Office at telephone 507-272-5115, or through email to wluchsinger@pancanal.com.
