Sudan is set to experience a significant boost in telecommunications infrastructure following a $3 million investment in networking equipment and the activation of a crucial undersea fibre cable. This project comes as a much-needed relief amidst the civil war that has severely damaged Sudan’s telecommunications capabilities.
The fibre project, which recently went live, is a key initiative of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), under the Port Sudan to Douala Corridor. Its primary goal is to connect land-locked countries in Central and West Africa to undersea cables, enhancing regional connectivity and communication.
The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), a global network dedicated to providing shared communication services in humanitarian crises, has contributed to this effort by investing in the necessary networking equipment. This investment is part of a broader strategy to restore and improve telecommunications in conflict-affected regions.
The rollout of the fibre internet service is scheduled to begin in Port Sudan by the end of this week, with plans to extend to other key locations including Damazine, Dongola, El Gedaref, Kassala, and Khartoum. However, some areas like Kosti are temporarily on hold due to ongoing fighting and evacuations.
Richard Egwangu, ETC regional coordinator, emphasized that this fibre upgrade will greatly enhance high-speed internet connectivity, improving communication and data exchange for the humanitarian community. It will also reduce reliance on satellite communication services, which have been the primary mode of connectivity amidst the disruptions.
The establishment of operational hubs across Sudan will support humanitarian efforts and serve as joint operation centres for various organizations working to alleviate the crisis. This development is crucial as the country continues to recover from the severe impact of the civil war and the telecommunications infrastructure remains under strain.
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