How Curaçao connects to the internet and why it matters

When internet services are disrupted, the cause is not always local. It can originate far beyond our island borders. For Curaçao, access to global networks depends on a limited number of international connections. The way these connections are structured plays a role in how telecom services perform, particularly when disruptions occur.

How connectivity works

Most internet traffic to and from Curaçao travels through subsea fiber optic cables. These cables connect the island to global networks and enable essential services such as digital payments, communication and online business operations. When a connection is disrupted, traffic must be rerouted. How effectively that happens depends on how networks are interconnected and how many alternative routes are available.

Developments in the region

In the Caribbean, new cable projects are being developed, including Curaçao’s plans to connect via Aruba to the existing regional subsea fiber-optic cable system (CELIA). These developments reflect a broader trend: growing demand for digital services is driving investment in international connectivity and additional network routes.

Why do these developments matter for Curaçao

For Curaçao, the way international connections are structured directly affects the performance of telecom services. A limited number of routes may increase dependency on specific connections, while additional routes from multiple providers can offer greater flexibility in how internet traffic is rerouted and may contribute to keeping prices competitive. This can influence how quickly services recover during outages and how widespread the impact of a disruption may be. International connectivity therefore plays a key role in how stable and resilient telecom services are on our island.

This is not only relevant for network operators, but also for anyone on Curaçao who relies on stable internet for work, communication or daily services.

The role of RAC

For RAC, the way Curaçao is connected to international networks, and the dependencies that come with it,  goes beyond technical infrastructure. The way networks are structured, how international connections are used and how dependencies between networks are managed can all influence service reliability.

RAC takes these factors into account when assessing how telecom services function in practice, particularly when disruptions affect users and services need to remain stable.

(Source: RAC. RAC publication period: 2026)