TAT-8 (1988–2002) — first transatlantic fiber-optic system

1. FCC authorizes companies to build TAT-8

   May 24, 1984Labels: FCC, AT&T

   • UPI Archives

2. TAT-8 enters service across the Atlantic

   Dec 14, 1988Labels: TAT-8

   • Los Angeles Times
   • Wired

3. TAT-8 establishes first transatlantic fiber route

   Dec 14, 1988Labels: TAT-8, US-UK-France

   • Wikipedia

4. TAT-8’s initial capacity and digital design

   Dec 14, 1988Labels: TAT-8

   • Wikipedia
   • UPI Archives

5. Bell Labs publishes TAT-8 system design goals

   Jan 1, 1989Labels: Bell Labs

   • Nokia Bell Labs

6. Traffic demand quickly fills TAT-8 capacity

   Jun 1, 1990Labels: TAT-8

   • Wikipedia
   • Tom s Hardware

7. Next-generation TAT-9 builds on TAT-8

   Jan 1, 1992Labels: TAT-9, TAT-8

   • Wikipedia

8. TAT-8 retires after an unrepaired fault

   Jan 1, 2002Labels: TAT-8

   • Wikipedia
   • Wired

9. TAT-8 remains on seafloor post-retirement

   Jan 2, 2002Labels: TAT-8

   • Wired
   • Tom s Hardware

10. Recovery and recycling effort begins for TAT-8

    Jan 1, 2025Labels: Subsea Environmental, recovery-vessel

    • Wired
    • Tom s Hardware

11. Wired documents TAT-8’s removal as legacy moment

    Feb 23, 2026Labels: Wired

    • Wired

12. TAT-8 recognized as foundational transatlantic fiber milestone

    Feb 25, 2026Labels: TAT-8

    • Tom s Hardware
    • Wikipedia