What's Happening?
The Republic of Congo is actively seeking alternatives to the West Africa Cable System (WACS) due to recent disruptions and deteriorating service quality. The WACS, a major undersea fibre optic cable system, connects several African countries to Europe
and has been operational since 2012. However, recent faults have led to repeated outages and slow internet speeds, prompting the Congolese government to initiate technical studies for a new undersea cable connection. These studies began last week and are expected to conclude within two weeks. Benjamin Mouandza, Director of Networks and Electronic Communications Services at the ARPCE, indicated that a new link could be operational within three weeks if the schedule is maintained. The Dow Africa cable has been mentioned as a potential option, although details about its availability remain unclear. Additionally, Congo has been connected to the 2Africa cable since August 2023, but it is not yet operational.
Why It's Important?
The search for a reliable internet connection is crucial for the Republic of Congo, where over 3.5 million people rely on the internet daily. The disruptions in the WACS cable have significant implications for the country's connectivity and economic activities. Reliable internet access is essential for business operations, education, and communication, impacting both the public and private sectors. The move to find an alternative undersea cable highlights the importance of stable internet infrastructure in supporting economic growth and development. The situation also underscores the vulnerability of relying on a single cable system for international connectivity, prompting a need for diversified and resilient infrastructure.
What's Next?
The completion of technical studies and the potential operationalization of a new undersea cable within three weeks could significantly improve internet connectivity in the Republic of Congo. The government and stakeholders will need to ensure that the new system is robust and capable of handling the country's internet demands. Additionally, the operational status of the 2Africa cable remains a point of interest, as its activation could further enhance connectivity. The outcome of these developments will likely influence future investments in the country's digital infrastructure and may prompt other African nations to reassess their reliance on existing cable systems.
