One of the world’s longest submarine cable projects – Meta Platforms’ 45 000 km 2Africa system – has reached a significant milestone.

According to Africa Business Communities, the portion of the cable linking Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa is now active.

‘Airtel is proud to launch the first phase of 2Africa cable system powered by the latest SLTE [submarine line terminal equipment] from our partner,’ said PD Sarma, CEO of Airtel Africa’s wholesale arm, Airtel Telesonic.

Its partner in the project is Alcatel Submarine Networks, which is laying East African section of the cable that will eventually connect Europe, Africa and Asia.

The switch-on of the line between Kenya and South Africa adds additional redundancy to internet traffic along Africa’s east coast, which has been affected by a number of cable breaks along other systems this year, according to TechCentral.

25 June 2024
Image: Flickr