EASSy is a 9,900km-long state-of-the-art broadband submarine cable that aims to connect a score of coastal countries and landlocked Eastern and Southern African countries to the rest the world through a broadband submarine fiber optic network and terrestrial relays.
This project whose total cost is estimated at nearly US$300 million is an initiative of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
Started in March 2008, the installation work of this cable has been entrusted to Alcatel-Lucent. Once operational, it will help bring down telecommunications prices by two-thirds and the number of users is expected to triple with the goal of connecting 250 million customers.
In its principles, this project can significantly improve the communication situation in Africa and have a catalytic effect on private sector development, economic growth and, ultimately, on opportunities for poor people.
ICT experts believe that EASSy will significantly lower the cost of telecommunications within Africa and with the rest of the world, helping to reduce the digital divide.
At the end of the day, the project’s overall objective is to reduce this region of Africa’s dependence on satellites for international communications, and reduce costs of broadband access.
Djibouti intends to maximize its unique geostrategic position and more than two decades of experience in the intercontinental submarine cable in a bid to become the regional telecommunications hub for neighbouring countries and those of the Common Market for East Africa and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Created in 1999, "Djibouti Telecom, the national telecommunications operator, is a 100% state-owned corporation. With a capital of US$22.6 million, Djibouti Telecom had a turnover of US$53.1 million in 2008.
It could be recalled that the countries involved in this project are Djibouti, South Africa, Burundi, Botswana, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Source: APA