A multiple contact electrical connector for transmission of electrical signals therethrough comprises first and second matable connectors (1,2) each including signal contacts (5,5') and ground contacts (6,6') secured in dielectric housings (3,3') and arranged in a two-dimensional manner therein. The signal contacts (5,5') and the ground contacts (6,6') are arranged in the housings (3,3') in rows spaced at regular intervals with the ground contacts being shifted half a pitch relative to the signal contacts so that when the matable connectors are mated together, the engaged signal contacts (5,5') are surrounded by the engaged ground contacts (6,6').