Transatlantic Cable Activated

A new $450-million transatlantic fiber optic cable capable of handling twice as many calls as older links was activated Monday, AT&T; announced.

The 5,586-mile cable system originates in New Jersey and connects Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Spain. It can handle the equivalent of 80,000 simultaneous calls or data and video signals.

The TAT-9 system is the first direct transatlantic fiber optic link to Spain and allows further connections to fiber optic systems reaching Italy, Greece, Turkey and Israel. Previously, Spain was served by a 1970 analog cable that handled up to 845 simultaneous calls. “Most calls between North America and both the Mediterranean and Mideast regions will be noticeably clearer,” said Al Start, American Telephone & Telegraph senior vice president.

The system was funded by AT&T;, British Telecom, Teleglobe Canada, France Telecom, Telefonica of Spain and 34 other investors.