Liberia relocates ACE cable landing point

ACE

The Liberian government has begun the process of relocating the landing point of the ACE submarine cable to ensure continuity of internet services and avoid a major outage of the national network. The initiative, led by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) in collaboration with the incumbent operator and the Cable Consortium of Liberia (CCL), is estimated to cost $200,000.

“This rerouting process is being driven by the construction of a monument in PHP Park, precisely where the ACE cable was originally connected. As the cable is no longer accessible from this site, it must be relocated to allow for future repair work,” the telecoms regulator explained in a statement posted on its Facebook page on Thursday, April 3.

As part of this operation, a cable ship is expected to arrive on the Liberian coast starting April 22. Although disruptions to internet connectivity are expected during the work, the government assures that it has taken measures to avoid a total shutdown.

This situation illustrates the urgent need to strengthen national telecom infrastructure to improve network resilience. A second submarine cable, supported by the World Bank under the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (WARDIP), was announced for September 2023. However, this project has not yet been completed, and frequent internet service interruptions persist.

Liberia can also consider alternatives to ensure stable connectivity. For example, the Global Mobile Operators Association (GSMA) recommends exploring satellite options. Additionally, in a 2020 digital economy diagnostic, the World Bank proposed connecting the country to its neighbors via fiber optics to diversify connectivity sources.

Source: Extensia

(Africa) Safaricom seeks approval for Kenya’s first telco-owned submarine cable amid rising competition

151.-safaricom

Kenyan telco giant Safaricom has applied to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for rights to land a submarine cable, per Business Daily. If granted, this would allow the company to construct and operate the country’s first undersea Internet cable owned by a telecommunications firm. 

The move aims to strengthen Safaricom’s ability to provide high-speed Internet, improve connectivity, and reduce dependence on third-party cable operators. It also underscores Safaricom’s commitment to meeting Kenya’s rising demand for reliable, high-speed Internet, while also ensuring it stays ahead in an increasingly digital world.

Currently, Safaricom relies on providers such as SEACOM, the East African Submarine System (EASSy), the East African Marine System (TEAMS), and Telkom Kenya for its international bandwidth. Of these, Telkom Kenya holds landing rights for five submarine cables connected to the country, including SEACOM.

This move by Safaricom comes when the region is grappling with increasing network vulnerabilities. In May 2024, two major undersea cables — EASSy and SEACOM — suffered outages, leading to widespread Internet disruptions across East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania.These incidents forced Safaricom to acquire additional bandwidth from other providers, spurring its decision to invest in its infrastructure.

Submarine cable landing rights in Kenya are regulated by the CA, with companies required to obtain a “Submarine Cable Landing Rights Licence” to operate such infrastructure. Safaricom’s application signals its ambition to achieve greater control over its international bandwidth supply.

Safaricom’s push for independence reflects growing competition from satellite Internet providers, particularly Elon Musk’s Starlink. Since Starlink’s entry into Kenya in July 2023, the satellite provider has disrupted the market by offering high-speed Internet services, especially in remote areas. This has led to a rapid increase in satellite Internet subscriptions and challenged the dominance of traditional providers like Safaricom, which controls over 37% of the fixed Internet market.

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In response, Safaricom has expressed concerns about Starlink’s operations, arguing for regulatory measures to ensure partnerships between satellite providers and local mobile network operators.

Source: www.techpoint.africa

Victoria Fakiya