Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chief Editor
Published on 2024-03-21 02:07:43
Internet outages in at least 10 countries in Africa have left many users without access to reliable services as multiple undersea cables have been damaged. The repair process is expected to take approximately five weeks, impacting countries in West Africa and South Africa. The cause of the cable damage remains unclear, with seabed movement being a possible culprit, as reported by Bloomberg, Agence France-Presse, and The Times of India.
The damage to submarine fiber optic cables has disrupted internet services for millions of users in West Africa. Ghana’s National Communications Authority anticipates the repair process to take five weeks, during which services will be gradually restored. Major internet providers like South Africa’s MTN Group and West African ISP MainOne are actively working on alternative network paths to restore internet transmissions.
The internet outage has impacted countries in West Africa such as Benin, Burkina Faso, and Ghana. Despite the challenges posed by damaged cables, Ghana has emerged as a key player in Africa’s internet market, with a growing demand for cables and Internet power accessories. The country has seen a significant increase in internet penetration, reaching 53% in 2022, with 16.99 million users.
The effects of damaged submarine cables extend beyond the immediate outage. Financial settlements, trade transactions, and investment management are all impacted when communication routes are disrupted. The cables affected include the West African Cable System (WACS), Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), SAT-3, and MainOne, with repairs expected to take weeks to months depending on the extent of the damage.
Despite the challenges, Africa’s internet penetration is on the rise, offering the potential for a digital dividend to bridge the digital divide. The spread of mobile internet and e-learning opportunities are contributing to educational development and economic growth in the continent. However, the cost of repairing and maintaining submarine cables remains a significant challenge.
Repairing submarine cables involves a multi-step process, including using optical time domain reflectometers (OTDR) to locate fault locations, inspecting with underwater robots, fusion splicing, testing, and burying the cables back into the sea. The repair process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring careful coordination and expertise.
The recent incidents of submarine cable damage highlight the importance of maintaining these vital communication links. Despite challenges and setbacks, efforts are underway to restore internet connectivity and ensure a more resilient network infrastructure in Africa and beyond. Through continued investments and innovation in technology, Africa is poised to benefit from the digital revolution and realize its full potential in the global digital landscape.
Read the original article on Lusaka Times
