Tue, Mar 24th 2009, 10:49
An assortment of submarine fibre optic cable laying projects are set to revolutionise internet connectivity on the African continent, which to date has been notoriously slow and ineffective.
Africa lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to internet connectivity and usage. Internet users across the continent have been starved of cheap connectivity that is taken for granted elsewhere in the world. East Africa is the only region in the world that has no link to international communication networks and users have to rely on slow, expensive satellite communication. This has hindered economic growth and starved the continent of internet and technology developments that it so needs.
West Africa has a high speed connection through the SAT-3 cable but prices have been astronomical and a deterrent to many potential users. To date, Africa represents just 3% of worldwide internet usage. However, a recent study suggests that this number could quadruple in the next 5 years. This is a vast untapped market.
At the moment there are a flurry of undersea cable projects underway. Seacom, a Mauritius-registered private consortium, is making good headway with their laying of a submarine fibre optic cable along the east coast of Africa. They plan to launch their cable by June 2009 in time for the Fifa Confederations Cup tournament to be held in South Africa.
The cable will connect the east and southern coast of Africa with India, Europe and the Middle East. Already, demand for Seacom's services in Mozambique and Tanzania has far exceed expectations, not to mention the more internet savvy Kenya and South Africa.
2010 should see delivery of the East African Submarine Cable System (Eassy), another project that involves a special purpose vehicle representing smaller African telecommunication companies. Essay should be live in time for the 2010 Fifa World Cup kickoff.
The ultimate dream is to have Africa encircled by undersea cable. There are projects in the pipeline for the laying of cables down the west coast of Africa but to date these are still beset with uncertainty and politicking.
Recently South African Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa announced that the West African Cable System Consortium (WACS) was due to conclude its construction and maintenance agreement. It is far from clear when and if cable laying will begin.
Featured Businesses
Vodafone2008-08-29
Located in Backnang, Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
The Vodafone Cellphone shop in Backnung provides a telecommunications service to client on the Vodacom network.READ MOREWhale Submarine2013-12-24
The Whale Submarine in Male, Maldives welcomes you to a wonderful attraction and adventure tourism experience of exploring the gorgeous underwater world here where exotic creatures live, and colourful aquamarine gardens astound. This exciting adventure aboard the Whale Submarine will take you 120 feet below the water, the largest passenger submarine in the world, with state of the art technology and features. Enjoy a fully air conditioned cabin, a comfortable ride and the fascinating underwater world as fully qualified French and local pilots show you the time of your life and don't forget your camera, you might even see historical sites like shipwrecks depending on the time of day.READ MORELoerie Hide Bed and Breakfast2009-11-25
Located in East London, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
The Loerie Hide Bed and Breakfast consists of two lovely thatched cottages at the bottom of the garden, containing three units decorated in distinctly different styles located in East London. There is the Longdavel, containing the Safari room with its distinctly African décor and the Colonial room in colonial style plus an African decorated Rondavel and the Hadedah Suite, a self-catering unit located in East London at the Loerie Hide Bed and Breakfast. READ MOREHampton Court Guest Lodge2009-11-25
Located in East London, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Hampton Court Guest Lodge is a 1920?s landmark, which has recently been beautifully renovated into a luxury beachfront guest lodge, with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean in East London. Hampton Court Guest Lodge has nine elegantly decorated double bedrooms. READ MOREEast Fremantle Yacht Club2012-09-14
Located in East Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
East Fremantle Yacht Club in East Fremantle, Perth, is well known for its superb facilites, varied memberships and club activities which include dragon boating, power boating, training, keelboat sailing, and, of course, the ever popular social events. There are usually a host of fun activities held after racing events and include the popular free wine tasting and soothing jazz sessions. East Fremantle Yacht Club has a range of sailing training courses available suitable for all levels of competence and knowledge, and is constantly developing interesting events and activities for the benefit of club members. We also provide Junior Sail Training programmes during the summer months. Then there is the most popular event, twilight sailing, with sailing beginning at 6pm, and the traditional Weber buffet which is served from 6pm.
READ MOREEast Fremantle Clubhouse2012-09-14
Located in East Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
East Fremantle Clubhouse in East Fremantle, Perth, overlooks the beautiful Swan River, offering perfect views to members who are enjoying a relaxing dinner. Membership to the clubhouse is open to everyone, you don't even have to own a boat to enjoy the tranquil location and partake in the club activities. East Fremantle Clubhouse has a team of professional function planners who will assist you with planning your perfect wedding or any other special event, and your guests will be impressed with the river views from our function rooms as well as the catering and service. East Fremantle Clubhouse also provides a casual, relaxed atmosphere where families and visitors can enjoy affordable cafe dining with free entertainment.
READ MOREEast Fremantle Yacht Club2012-10-24
Located in East Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
East Fremantle Yacht Club in East Fremantle, Perth, as with most yacht clubs, is located in a picturesque setting, with views of the Swan River playing host to the ever present dolphins that frequent the jetties, as well as the awesome splendour of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean. At East Fremantle Yacht Club we are continually striving to improve on our facilities and services in developing interesting and fun events and activities for club members, and best of all you need not own a boat to become a member of our club. The club offers a variety of activities which include social events, centreboard sailing, keelboat sailing, training to mention just a few.
The club is an excellent venue for private and corporate functions. One of our most popular and regular activities is our romantic twilight sailing trip that includes a traditional Weber buffet. East Fremantle Yacht Club is an outstanding venue for private, social and corporate functions, and our professional staff will assist you in coordinating your special day to ensure you have a function that is perfect in every way.
READ MOREAfrican Dreams Bed and Breakfast2009-11-25
Located in East London, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
African Dreams Bed and Breakfast is a family owned and managed establishment situated on the Quigney, one of the oldest and historic suburbs of East London. From African Dreams Bed and Breakfast one can stroll along the Orient Pier and enjoy the Water Tube which is open in the summer months, or enter the Orient Beach - a pay beach including Kiddies pools in East London. READ MORESand Castle Bed and Breakfast2009-11-25
Located in East London, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Located a stone throw away from Nahoon Beach, The Sand castle B&B has a very relaxed beach feel defined by fresh whites and beiges at its location in East London. The Sand Castle Bed and Breakfast spacious honeymoon suite is open planned with its own private balcony which looks out at the sea and over the pool.READ MORESee More Guest House 2009-11-25
Located in East London, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Set in tropical gardens in the heart of Bunkers Hill, See More Guest House is centrally located, and boasts extensive views of the valley and ocean in East London. See More Guest House offers a choice of 7 luxury rooms, for both bed and breakfast or self catering accommodation.READ MORE
Africa and the Internet: Submarine Cables reviews
Login to comment