Google announces new undersea cables linking Panama, Chile, Florida

Google's new Alisios cable will connect Chile, Panama and the Dominican Republic, while Canoa and OlaLuz will extend links to Bermuda and Florida.

Alphabet Inc.'s Google announced new cable links in the Americas on Tuesday, including one between Panama, the Dominican Republic and Chile, which is trying to establish itself as a regional digital hub. 

The expansion will include three new cable systems - Alisios, Canoa and OlaLuz. Alisios will connect the Dominican Republic, Panama and Chile, while Canoa will link the Dominican Republic with Bermuda, according to a press release. OlaLuz will connect the Dominican Republic to Florida.

  Chile has sought to position itself as a digital gateway, drawing tech companies with its economic and political stability, extensive fiber-optic network, undersea cables and abundant renewable energy. Among the projects underway is the Google-backed Humboldt cable, running between Chile and Australia across the Pacific.

  "It will strengthen our country's position as a digital leader in Latin America," Louis de Grange, Chile's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Minister of Public Works, said in a statement. The Alisios cable will "undoubtedly boost local businesses, foster economic growth, and bring the opportunities of the global digital economy directly into the homes of millions of Chileans."

  Panama President José Raúl Mulino said the project supports the country's Digital Hub Initiative and will create opportunities for the country and the broader region, according to the release. Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said the partnership will help advance the country's digital integration.