Southern African regional to Connect to Submarine

Some Southern African landlocked countries are carrying out feasibility studies to get the region connected to the East Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSY) undersea submarine cables.

The cable system runs along the east coast of Africa, creating a digital super highway that links South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique with Europe and Asia.

This feasibility study would also determine the amount of money required to link the landlocked countries with landing points through the backhaul links.

But, there have been fears that many landlocked countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi may not be able to connect to the cable due to lack of funds and the long distance to landing stations. The countries have agreed to the setting up of backhaul links that will provide inter-connectivity in the region.

And Southern Africa Telecommunications Association (SATA), an association of regional telecommunications companies, is coordinating the development of networks and services.

SATA Executive Secretary Jacob Munodawafa said most of Southern Africa, especially the landlocked countries, are heavily relying on the use of microwave radio system and satellite connectivity for national, regional and long distance communication.

“In order to provide broadband services,” Munodawafa said, “Operators require high bandwidth for national, regional and international connectivity. That is why, a modern fiber-optic digital telecommunication network, comprising domestic or cross-border terrestrial links and an international undersea highway.”

The Zambia Telecommunications Company (Zamtel), an EASSY member, has said it will connect to the cable in Tanzania through Tunduma by 2010.

Meanwhile, Malawi Telecommunications (MTL) has announced that it has almost completed the US$55 million fiber-optic network that will be linked to networks in Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania and South Africa.

The cable will open the landlocked country to the international superhighway through interconnection with other regional countries.

MTL said the company’s cable should be connected to the rest of the World through EASSY and the newly launched SEACOM cable.

The high speed link to be installed between Malawi and Zambia will be extended to other telecommunication hubs by 2011. The national fiber-optic backbone will facilitate high-speed voice and data transmission at lower prices compared to satellite communication.

SATA members include Mauritius Telecom, Telecom Malagasy, Tanzania Telecommunication, TeOne, Malawi Telecommunication and Telecom South Africa.