Netcom: Undersea cable restoration may take about 6 weeks

Netcom Africa, a prominent Internet Service Provider, has indicated that the restoration of the damage to the undersea cables off the coast of West Africa may take up to six weeks to complete, citing logistical and repair factors. Yen Choi, the Chief Technical Officer of Netcom Africa, revealed in an interview with CNBC Africa that the temporary solution includes rerouting data traffic through alternative cables before the repairs on the four affected cables are finalized. The recent incident of multiple submarine cable cuts off the coast of Ivory Coast has significantly disrupted internet communications across the region. Yen Choi emphasized the critical role these submarine cables play in facilitating internet connectivity, highlighting that all data transmission relies on them. The severity of this situation lies in the unique occurrence of multiple cable severances. Consequently, companies that relied on one cable with a backup precaution found themselves isolated when both cables were affected. The repair process presents two primary solutions. One approach involves physically repairing the damaged cable, a task that requires a minimum of three to six weeks to complete. The intricate process includes dispatching a repair vessel, locating the damaged section, and conducting necessary repairs. The second solution entails redirecting data traffic through alternate routes, connecting countries like Nigeria to Angola through different cables to mitigate connectivity issues. Several undersea cable systems were adversely impacted by the recent cuts, including Ace Cable, Main One, Wax, and Sat 3. However, other vital systems like Equiano and Glow One in Nigeria remained unaffected. The varying cable infrastructures across West Africa led to stark differences in the severity of the connectivity disruptions experienced by different countries. Ghana, for instance, faced more considerable challenges due to its limited cable options. The repercussions of the cable cuts have been substantial, with some countries witnessing an 80 to 90 percent reduction in internet traffic. Nigeria, a key player in West Africa's digital landscape, reported a 30 to 40 percent decrease in internet activity. This decline has hindered access to essential online services for users reliant on stable connectivity, underscoring the widespread impact of the cable damage. Amid the disruptions, satellite technology has emerged as a viable alternative for maintaining connectivity. Providers like Starlink, leveraging satellite systems, have remained unaffected by the undersea cable cuts. However, traditional geostationary satellites may not possess the necessary bandwidth to fully substitute the functionality of submarine cables, limiting their capacity. In navigating this challenging period, organizations have explored backup options to sustain operations. Some cable systems have established commercial agreements with unaffected providers to temporarily redirect their traffic, while companies like Netcom have diversified their submarine cable capacity to ensure continuity of services. These proactive measures have enabled certain entities to mitigate the impact of the cable disruptions and maintain operational stability. Addressing potential strategies for preventing future occurrences of this nature, Yen Choi highlighted the importance of enhancing resiliency within submarine cable networks. By fostering greater interconnectivity between cable systems and bolstering resilience measures, organizations can fortify their infrastructure against unforeseen disruptions. While the rarity of such extensive cable cuts underscores the challenge in predicting and preempting such events, fostering a more interconnected network can enhance the industry's preparedness for similar incidents. Looking towards the future of the industry, Yen Choi emphasized the significance of expanding cable systems to foster greater interconnectedness. The evolution from reliance on a single cable system to the current network of diverse options has significantly enhanced the region's internet resilience. By increasing the number of cable connections and exploring alternative land-based routes, the industry can further bolster its resilience against potential disruptions, ensuring continued connectivity for users. As Netcom Africa and other industry players navigate the arduous task of restoring undersea cables and mitigating the impact of the recent disruptions, stakeholders remain vigilant for emerging developments. The coming weeks will be crucial in observing how organizations adapt to the challenges posed by the cable cuts and the industry's collective efforts to safeguard internet connectivity in West Africa.