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Telkom Kenya maps fibre optic cable connection with Djibouti

NET

Internet subscriptions in Kenya totalled 41,111,850 in the period between April and June 2018. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Telecommunications firm Telkom Kenya says it is mapping a new fiber optic cable route that could enable its customers to enjoy higher speeds and eventually lower costs.

The cable dubbed Djibouti African Regional Express (DARE1) will run for approximately 4,000 kilometres and link Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya through a partnership with Djibouti telecommunications firm Djibouti Telecoms and Somalia’s Somtel. The telecommunications firm however declined to disclose the estimated cost of the new cable or source of funding.

Telkom Kenya said the cable will enable it to meet growing demand for data and offer alternative Internet routes in case of downtimes.

Internet subscriptions in Kenya totalled 41,111,850 in the period between April and June 2018, a 38.8 per cent increase compared to the same time last year according to data from the Communications Authority of Kenya.

“The new cable has the biggest capacity yet, delivered on newer technology, which puts us ahead in the region. The arrival of the cable couldn’t be at a better time seeing as the life capacity of any cable ranges between 15 – 20 years, which the current ones are closing towards. This investment offers diversity in the routing of traffic and also provides for Fiber continuity considering the risk at the high seas,” said Managing Director of Telkom’s Carrier Services Division Kebaso Mokogi in a statement Wednesday.

Telkom Kenya will provide a landing point for the 30 Terabyte fiber cable at its station in Nyali.

The assessment of the best route to use in delivering the physical cable will take between 50-60 days. Afterwards, undersea technology firm TE Subcom will start laying the cable.

The DARE1 cable will complement four other cables that currently serve Kenya and the East African region.