Dhiraagu Inaugurates SEA-ME-WE 6 Cable, Enhancing Maldives' Global Connectivity

Dhiraagu has celebrated a milestone in Maldivian telecommunications with the launch of the SEA-ME-WE 6 (SMW6) submarine cable system. This marks the first time a Maldivian digital service provider has become a co-owner of a global submarine cable system. The cable system, spanning 19,200 km, connects Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe, delivering high-speed transmission of up to 100Tbps.

The official landing ceremony, held in Hulhumale’ Phase II, was attended by prominent figures including the Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, Adam Shareef Umar. This event highlights Dhiraagu’s significant investment in global connectivity, achieved through a consortium of 16 international telecommunications and technology companies.

The SMW6 cable system is poised to greatly enhance the Maldives’ international internet connectivity by providing direct access to major global internet exchange points and data centers. This will improve service quality and resilience, benefiting both consumers and businesses. Dhiraagu’s involvement in this project underscores its commitment to advancing the country’s digital infrastructure and supporting its socioeconomic development.

Minister Adam Shareef Umar expressed his appreciation for Dhiraagu’s role in transforming the Maldives' telecommunications landscape. “The SMW6 submarine cable will ensure that the Maldives has direct access to multiple internet exchange points, enhancing our connectivity and reducing dependence on any single country. This development is crucial for our nation’s digital growth and international integration,” he said.

Dhiraagu’s CEO and Managing Director, Ismail Rasheed, highlighted the importance of this project in positioning the Maldives as a global digital hub. “Connecting our network to the SMW6 system represents a major step in our digital transformation journey. It will help us deliver faster internet speeds, lower latency, and reduce costs for our services,” Rasheed stated.

The SMW6 cable system is expected to be fully operational by early 2026, further solidifying Dhiraagu’s leadership in the Maldives’ digital advancement and its dedication to empowering digital communities across the nation.