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Africa’s Internet Outage : Submarine Cable Repairs Could Take Weeks, MainOne Confirms
Millions of Africans remain in a state of digital limbo as internet disruptions caused by damaged submarine cables continue. While some countries report gradual restoration, a key player, MainOne, a West African digital infrastructure provider, has shed light on the potentially lengthy repair process.
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Widespread Disruption Persists:
The internet outage, which began on Thursday, has impacted at least 13 countries across Africa, primarily in the West. According to NetBlocks, an internet watchdog group, internet connectivity in some regions plunged dramatically. Ivory Coast, for instance, experienced a staggering 96% drop at its worst, leaving residents with severely limited online access. Similar drops were observed in Liberia (83%) and Benin (86%).
The impact has transcended borders, affecting major economies like South Africa. Mobile operator Vodacom confirmed “intermittent connectivity issues” due to cable failures, disrupting businesses and individuals reliant on the internet.
Cause of the Outage and Repair Timeline:
The precise cause of the multiple cable failures remains under investigation. Experts speculate on potential physical damage to the subsea infrastructure. The recent disruption in the Red Sea, where three cables were severed, raises concerns about similar incidents impacting cables on the West African coast.
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MainOne, a major player in the region, has provided a preliminary timeline for repairs. The company estimates the repair process for their undersea cable system could take one to two weeks, with an additional two to three weeks for a repair vessel to mobilize, acquire necessary spares, and travel to the fault location. This extended timeline paints a concerning picture for many Africans still struggling with limited or no internet access.
Impact on Daily Life and the Economy:
The internet outage has had a cascading effect across various sectors. Businesses reliant on online platforms for transactions and communication have faced significant losses. Financial hubs like Nigeria have been particularly affected, with online transactions and communication channels crippled. The disruption has also hampered remote learning initiatives and access to essential information and services.
Beyond the immediate economic impact, the outage has broader social implications. Social media, a vital platform for communication and news dissemination, has become inaccessible for many. This has hindered communication between individuals and businesses, disrupting daily life across the affected countries.
A Call for Investment and Redundancy:
The recent internet outage underscores Africa’s vulnerability in the digital age. Its reliance on a limited number of subsea cables exposes the continent to significant disruptions when these critical connections fail. Experts and industry leaders are calling for a multi-pronged approach to ensure greater internet resilience:
- Infrastructure Investment: Diversifying and strengthening subsea cable infrastructure, with additional connections both within and outside Africa, can create a safety net to prevent future outages from causing widespread disruptions.
- Promoting Redundancy: Building redundant connections within countries and across borders can provide alternative routes for internet traffic during outages, minimizing downtime.
- Focus on Local Infrastructure: Investing in robust terrestrial networks and data centers within African countries can lessen dependence on a handful of vulnerable undersea cables.
Looking Ahead: A More Connected Future
The current internet outage serves as a wake-up call for Africa. Investing in a more resilient digital infrastructure is crucial for ensuring stable and reliable internet access. This, in turn, will empower businesses, facilitate communication, and foster economic growth across the continent.
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While the current situation remains challenging, with millions still facing limited connectivity, recent reports indicate a gradual restoration of services in some countries. Countries like Liberia and South Africa have reported improvements, offering a glimmer of hope for a return to normalcy.
However, the extended repair timeline for critical subsea cables casts a shadow of uncertainty. The coming weeks will be crucial in assessing the full impact of the outage and implementing strategies to build a more robust digital future for Africa.
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