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Submarine cable project for data centers places RN among the most strategic states in the new digital economy; High-capacity international connection can boost artificial intelligence, cloud services, and technological expansion with a strong regional economic impact.

Written by Hilton Libório
Published on 22/05/2026 at 10:35
Updated on 22/05/2026 at 10:36
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Project brings submarine cables to Rio Grande do Norte, strengthens data centers, expands digital infrastructure, and accelerates international internet.

Rio Grande do Norte can enter the map of Brazilian technological infrastructure with the installation of new submarine cables aimed at data transmission and international internet connection. The project, coordinated with the Ministry of Communications, initially plans for two landing zones: one in Natal and another in Areia Branca, in the western part of the state.

According to the Secretary of Economic Development, Hugo Fonseca, at least one of the areas is already secured, while the official announcement for Natal may occur in the next 45 days. Additionally, the state has presented 11 other priority areas along the coast for future network expansions.

According to information from Tribuna do Norte on May 20, the arrival of this infrastructure is seen as strategic to attract data centers, accelerate industrial digitalization, and increase investments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-performance technology.

Submarine cables can reduce digital dependency of the Northeast and attract data centers

Currently, about 90% of Brazilian internet information traffic passes through Ceará. This scenario worries specialists and public managers because a failure or break in the cables can affect banking services, digital systems, and large-scale online operations.

Hugo Fonseca highlighted that decentralizing this structure is essential to increase the country’s operational security. In this context, Rio Grande do Norte gains strategic relevance by expanding the national connectivity network.

Besides digital security, the new submarine cables help reduce latency, which is the response time in data transmission. This is essential for digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and large cloud operations.

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Data centers are expected to accelerate a new economic phase in Rio Grande do Norte

The installation of data centers appears as one of the main economic consequences of the expansion of the Potiguar digital infrastructure. These structures function as large centers for processing and storing data used by technology companies, banks, digital platforms, and online services.

The proximity between the data centers and the cables reduces the transmission time of information. This factor directly influences the choice of regions that receive billion-dollar technological investments.

Among the sectors that can grow with the new structure are:

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Cloud computing
  • Digital financial market
  • Streaming and online platforms
  • Automated industries

Another point considered strategic is the state’s energy capacity. Rio Grande do Norte has strong wind and solar energy generation, something essential for technological operations that consume large volumes of electricity.

Digital infrastructure is still a challenge for the Potiguar industry

According to data presented by the Department of Economic Development, only 30% of the Potiguar industry currently has digitized processes. This demonstrates the potential for modernization that the arrival of the new structure can generate.

The expansion of the digital infrastructure should allow companies to use more advanced technologies for automation, data analysis, and industrial monitoring. The state government’s expectation is to transform the East and West regions into areas prepared to receive high-intensity technological investments.

Furthermore, the new international internet network can facilitate the installation of companies related to:

  • Digital banking solutions
  • Cybersecurity
  • High-performance computing
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Software development

Secretary Hugo Fonseca himself assesses that the arrival of these structures can create a favorable environment for large technology companies and startups specialized in data processing.

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Supercomputer of R$ 1.8 billion reinforces technological advancement of RN

Another project that strengthens the state’s leadership is the installation of a supercomputer at the Augusto Severo Scientific and Technological Park (PAX), in Macaíba, in Greater Natal.

The planned investment is R$ 1.8 billion, with federal resources and state counterpart. The equipment is part of the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan (PBIA) and will be one of two supercomputers installed in Brazil.

According to the State Government, the system in Rio Grande do Norte will be connected to the other equipment that will be built in the Southeast region. Both will constantly exchange information through artificial intelligence and advanced data processing.

The expectation is that the structure will attract technology companies, research laboratories, and businesses linked to the digital market. The equipment can weigh up to five tons and is expected to start operating after about 12 months of construction.

International internet strengthens regional competitiveness and innovation

The expansion of international internet can also increase the competitiveness of the Brazilian Northeast. With greater connection capacity, the state gains conditions to participate in global markets linked to technology, innovation, and digital services.

In practice, this can facilitate the growth of sectors such as digital education, telemedicine, e-commerce, and online financial services. Local companies also gain access to more modern data storage and processing structures.

Experts point out that the global demand for digital processing is rapidly growing due to generative artificial intelligence and the increase in the use of cloud platforms. This movement enhances the importance of states prepared to operate large technological structures.

Rio Grande do Norte enters the route of the new data-based economy

The combination of submarine cables, expansion of digital infrastructure, and arrival of data centers can change the economic profile of the state in the coming years. Besides strengthening national connectivity, the project creates opportunities for generating qualified jobs and attracting international investments.

Rio Grande do Norte also gains a competitive advantage by combining strategic location, renewable energy potential, and space for technological expansion along the coast.

With new international internet connections, supercomputers, and the growth of artificial intelligence, the state increasingly occupies a significant position in the Brazilian digital transformation.

With information from Tribuna do Norte

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Hilton Libório

Hilton Fonseca Liborio is a writer with experience in digital content production and SEO skills. He specializes in creating optimized content for diverse audiences and platforms, aiming to combine quality, relevance, and results. His areas of expertise include the Automotive Industry, Technology, Careers, Renewable Energies, Mining, and other topics.

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