SEACOM plans to triple or quadruple self-deployed fibre in 2018

SEACOM, a leading player in the telecommunications industry, is set to make significant strides in expanding its self-deployed fiber network in 2018. The company, well-known for its 17,000 km undersea network along the eastern and southern coastlines, ventured into the field of fiber in July 2017 with the pilot deployment of a 7.3 km network to cater to business and home users. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, CEO Byron Clatterbuck revealed the company's ambitious plans to triple or even quadruple the amount of self-deployed fiber in the coming year. This move is poised to revolutionize the landscape of connectivity in Africa and address the pressing challenges of delivering high-speed internet to customers efficiently and cost-effectively. Key Theme: With the rapid expansion of digital technologies and the increasing demand for data connectivity, the deployment of fiber optic networks has become crucial in ensuring seamless and reliable internet services. SEACOM's strategic decision to intensify its self-deployed fiber network signifies a transformative shift towards enhancing connectivity across the continent. Key Points: 1. SEACOM's Historic Milestones in Fiber Deployment: SEACOM initially introduced a fiber system connecting southern and eastern Africa to Europe in 2009. Over the years, the company has continuously upgraded its system to accommodate the escalating capacity requirements and meet the needs of its customers. The recent announcement of an additional 500 gigabits of capacity solidifies SEACOM's position as the provider of the fastest and highest-speed fiber link from the east coast of Africa to Europe. 2. Strategic Partnerships Driving Cloud Services in Africa: In response to the growing demand for cloud services in Africa, SEACOM has forged partnerships with major players like Microsoft to facilitate the delivery of content and connectivity to businesses and consumers. The collaboration with cloud service providers aims to establish a robust infrastructure that enables quicker access to data, improved speed, and enhanced reliability for users across the continent. 3. Fiber vs. Satellite: The Economic Shift in Data Connectivity: The transition from satellite to fiber optics for data connectivity in Africa has been marked by significant cost differentials. While satellite technology was once the predominant mode of communication, the emergence of fiber networks has brought down the overall cost of connectivity. SEACOM's substantial investments in subsea cables and terrestrial fiber builds underscore the company's commitment to providing high-speed, cost-effective solutions that cater to the evolving needs of businesses and individuals. Quote: Byron Clatterbuck, CEO of SEACOM, emphasized the transformative impact of fiber optics on connectivity, stating, "Fiber is really the driver that connects cities, that connects large users of content with each other. I think that will change in many parts of it." This assertion highlights the pivotal role of fiber networks in revolutionizing the telecommunications landscape and fostering digital advancement in Africa. In conclusion, SEACOM's proactive approach towards expanding its self-deployed fiber network is poised to reshape the connectivity landscape in Africa, offering a pathway to enhanced data transmission capabilities, improved network reliability, and cost-efficient solutions. As the company gears up for a substantial expansion in 2018, the future holds promising prospects for bridging the digital divide and accelerating socio-economic development through advanced telecommunications infrastructure.