Cameroon and Gabon have joined hands to launch a 22km interconnected fibre optic network.
This is expected to enhance the telecommunication connectivity in the two nations as it replaces traditional sub-marine cables
The infrastructure was launched by in Meyo-Kye, Gabon by Cameroon’s Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng and Gabon’s Minister of State, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Edgard Anicet Mboumbou Miyakou.
This particular infrastructure consists of a 96-strand G652 type fibre optic that is laid underground, along with a joint box located on the River Ntem Bridge.
“Appropriate measures have been taken to secure this new, latest-generation infrastructure from vandalism. The interconnection has been tested and confirmed technically viable and the availability of service rate stands at nearly 100%, in accordance with ITU standards,” said Clement.
Ngongeh Ayafor Clement, Technical Director, Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel)
This interconnection is expected to offer a capacity of approximately 100 Tbps of speed.
This infratructure agreement comes from an MoU signed between Gabon and Cameroon in 2019 to form part of the broader Central African Backbone (CAB) project.
“Optic fibre plays a vital role in sub-regional integration. That is why we are investing in joint projects…their deployment [fibre optic] has grown, offering new opportunities in areas related to health, education, online banking and administration, social networking and internet telephony.”
Minette Libom Li Likeng, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Cameroon
