Shaping the future of transatlantic digital infrastructure
Lisbon, Portugal – 24 July 2024. DE-CIX, the world's leading Internet Exchange (IX) operator, is proud to announce the first edition of the Atlantic Convergence conference, to be held from October 1-3 2024 in the historic Pátio da Galé in Lisbon, Portugal. In partnership with Altice Wholesale Solutions, Atlas Edge, CAMTEL, EllaLink, and Interfiber, the event aims to unite visionaries, knowledge owners, power users, and digital infrastructure architects from both sides of the Atlantic.
The conference will cover a wide range of topics critical to the future of digital connectivity, including enhancing speed, reducing costs, and minimizing latency of pan-Atlantic connectivity. Discussions will focus on how Europe and North America can improve connectivity with regions such as Latin America and Africa, and how well the existing infrastructure can withstand cyber-attacks. Additional topics include exploring the digital drivers of the pan-Atlantic economy, the potential of new AI and Cloud technologies, and the capability of current undersea, terrestrial, and space infrastructure to support new demand. Emerging data corridors across the Atlantic will also be identified. DE-CIX will also publish a new study on the 2nd of October, during the Atlantic Convergence, titled “The Iberian Peninsula: A next-generation regional mega hub”.
The first day of the conference will emphasize building a resilient and secure geospatial ecosystem, addressing submarine and data center cyber threats, sovereignty issues, energy and geological threats, and the establishment of new data traffic corridors, including the use of LEO satellites. Notable speakers include Dan Hamilton, who will delve into the digital drivers of the pan-Atlantic economy, and Soledad Antelada Toledano, who will tackle various security topics alongside other experts. The second day will focus on how to ensure the accessibility, speed, and performance of pan-Atlantic traffic flows. Topics will cover AI requirements, smart cities, connecting gamers, edge connectivity, real-time big data, distributed digital hubs, and digital innovation with hyperscale deployment in the southern hemisphere. Key speakers like Kevin Smith from Atlas Edge and Rafael de Fermin from Nokia will discuss advancements in AI and contribute their insights on these innovations, highlighting the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance digital connectivity across the Atlantic.
"The attendees of Atlantic Convergence will have the opportunity to gain insights from leading enterprises and industry experts," says Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX. "They will explore untapped business opportunities within the pan-Atlantic digital ecosystem and engage directly with key stakeholders across the digital infrastructure value chain. This unique forum will foster collaboration among businesses, institutions, and providers, addressing the growing demand for data and connectivity across the Atlantic Ocean. This conference is the place to be!"
With 500 attendees already registered for the event, tickets are selling fast. Interested parties can still register here. More Information about the conference can be found under https://atlantic-convergence.net/.
A Pan-Atlantic Nexus for Innovation and Collaboration
Portugal, home to 20 submarine cable landings connecting across the Atlantic and through the Mediterranean and boasting one of the highest penetrations of fiber to the home/building (FTTH/B) in Europe, is an ideal location for this event. With its three Internet Exchanges and close to a hundred connected networks, the capital Lisbon has a vibrant and diverse ecosystem of international and national networks, making it a formidable point of convergence for all continents bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic Convergence will bring together participants from Europe, North and South America, and Africa to explore the potential of pan-Atlantic digital infrastructure. The European Union is investing up to €300 billion between 2021 and 2027 in infrastructure projects, including the Africa-Europe Investment Package and the EurAfrica Gateway Cable, which will significantly enhance digital sovereignty and connectivity.