A branch of a Europe-to-Africa subsea internet cable has landed in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Equiano cable has been directly integrated into the Lagos Open Access Data Centre, from where it will be extended to other data centres across the city. Engineering News reports that its designed capacity is estimated to be about 20 times greater than any other cable currently serving the region, which will have a direct impact on connectivity. This could mean faster internet speeds, reduced internet prices and improved user experience.

The Equiano, which is global tech giant Google’s private subsea cable, will eventually run from Portugal along more than 12 000 km of the west coast of Africa. In addition to Lagos, the cable has already landed in Lomé, Togo, and will eventually land in Swakopmund, Namibia; Rupert’s Bay, St Helena; and Melkbosstrand, South Africa.

Google’s landing partner, the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), is also deploying a national fibre network in Lagos. ‘The network will go live in phases, starting in June and continuing through to the end of the year,’ says Chris Wood, WIOCC CEO. ‘When combined with the Equiano cable, this network will deliver transformational benefits across the country.’

According to an impact assessment study by Africa Practice and Genesis Analytics, the cable is expected to increase internet speeds by a factor of six, reduce prices by 21% and improve network penetration by 6%.

3 May 2022
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