Zambia defers signing of regional telecom project

Zambia has deferred signing documents to facilitate the take-off of the Eastern Africa Submarine System (EASSY) project, Saturday Post reported.

EASSY fibreoptic cable is aimed at boosting telecommunications activity in the region by providing low cost linkages between the region and the rest of the world.

Zambian Communications Minister Peter Daka was quoted as saying that he needs more time to peruse the documentation more closely before adding his signature.

Daka, however, indicated his willingness to sign the protocol after consulting more widely.

Four other countries that are also meant to have signed the protocol are unable to sign, citing mainly logistical reasons but the signatures by Zimbabwe and Botswana have brought EASSY a step closer to completion.

The terrestrial fibreoptic line will work its way from South Africa through the landlocked countries up to Sudan, which will complement the 9,900 km submarine fibreoptic EASSY cable that is to be laid along Africa's east coast.

With nine signatures collected so far out of a total of 23 African countries participating in the project, the deadline for the other 14 signatures has been set for November 30 this year.

EASSY cable will be able to move a massive 320 gigabytes of data per second, with this upgradable to 640 gigabytes per second, depending on demand, according to the newspaper.

Not only will it bring easier Internet and telecommunication connectivity but is expected, with its open access business model to bring down costs, becoming an enabler of economic growth.

Source: Xinhua