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Situated in the village of Porthcurno in Cornwall, UK, PK Porthcurno, Museum of Global Communications offers visitors an exploration of the history of global telecommunications. Ciena’s Brian Lavallée dives into the role of the museum in global communications and unveils Ciena’s new contribution to the museum in collaboration with TeleGeography.

From the arrival of the first submarine telegraph cables to modern cables implementing the latest in coherent fibre-optic transmission technology, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the significant and historical role Porthcurno plays in global telecommunications. The Museum is a learning hub explaining the evolution of telecom systems that have and continue to shape our increasingly digital world.

The historical significance of Porthcurno

Porthcurno became a critical site for international telecommunications in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. In 1870, the first submarine telegraph cable was laid between Porthcurno and India, marking the beginning of a long history of technological advancements at the UK site. This cable transformed how people communicated across continents, allowing instant communications for the first time – the “instant messaging” of the time. The telegraph cable was a milestone for the small, picturesque village of Porthcurno and the entire world by opening the doors to global connectivity.

As decades passed, Porthcurno became the focal point for the Eastern Telegraph Company, which eventually merged with others to become Cable & Wireless to establish an influential telecommunication station in the area. During World War II, Porthcurno played an essential role in transmitting critical information for the British government that contributed to the success of military operations. Today, the impressive legacy of Porthcurno remains, with the Museum capturing the rich history of telecommunications that originated from this small yet impactful location.

Fibre optics and the digital revolution

An exciting section of the Museum highlights the development of fibre-optic telecommunications. Fibre optics, which uses the properties of light to transmit data through glass fibers the size of a human hair and has revolutionized global telecommunications, allowing for faster, more reliable data transmission over long distances. Porthcurno played a central role in the development and implementation of fibre-optic technologies, with pioneering research and experimentation taking place in the area.

Ciena and TeleGeography have collaborated with the Museum to create a timeline mural, shown in Figure 1, of fibre-optic transmission technologies that rapidly transformed the global undersea network, which now carry over 99% of all intercontinental telecommunications traffic making it critical infrastructure.

Figure 1: Fibre-optic submarine cable transmission technology mural (Ciena and )

The Museum also delves into the broader implications of fibre-optics on global connectivity, examining how the internet, digital communication, and data transfer have revolutionised business, education, entertainment, and social interactions. The Museum’s exhibits encourage visitors to consider how fibre-optic technologies continue to shape our interconnected world with the advent of Artificial Intelligence.

PK Porthcurno: A destination for all

Through its rich exhibitions, interactive displays, and educational programmes, the Museum is designed to appeal to a wide range of visitors, from school groups and families to telecommunications professionals and enthusiasts, providing all with a deeper understanding of the technologies that have connected people across the globe.

Schoolchildren and groups can engage with the Museum’s activities, which align with educational curricula and offer a practical understanding of science, technology, and history. The Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and special events that highlight contemporary issues in communication, including data privacy, social media, and the digital divide.

It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and future of telecommunications and serves as a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the enduring importance of global communication.

I believe that understanding and appreciating the past facilitates and accelerates the future, so I highly recommend that if you’re in Cornwall, set aside some time to visit PK Porthcurno.