The Wet Connection, an International Cooperation in the Construction of the First Transoceanic Lightwave Systems
18 February 1986
The first transatlantic lightwave system (TAT-8) and the first transpacific cable systems (TPC-3) relay even more on international cooperation than did previous undersea systems. The system suppliers on both sides of each ocean are independently developing and manufacturing subsystems which will interface at a point in each ocean ("wet connection").