Damaged undersea internet cables fixed — NCA
All four undersea internet cables affected by a recent disruption have been successfully repaired, the National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced.
On March 14, 2024, widespread internet disruptions rattled Africa, affecting vital connectivity across the continent. The National Communications Authority (NCA) disclosed that multiple undersea cables, including ACE, MainOne, SAT-3, and WACS, suffered damage, causing a significant impact on both mobile and fixed data services throughout the region.
The repercussions weren’t confined to Ghana alone but rippled across nations like Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, and Cameroon, among others. The root of the issue lay in the discovery of faults in all four cables at the crossing with the sub-sea canyon known as Le Trou Sans Fond Canyon, situated off the coast of Abidjan.
Speaking at the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) celebration in Accra, NCA Director-General Joe Anokye unveiled measures to fortify regulatory oversight in the aftermath of the disruption. These directives mandated submarine cable operators to furnish backup and redundancy plans to ensure uninterrupted service in case of future mishaps. Additionally, mobile network operators were tasked with maintaining redundant submarine cable links within Ghana and connecting to providers in neighboring regions.
Anokye also revealed the NCA’s initiation of a framework to deliver low latency broadband services from space, leveraging advancements in satellite technology to augment terrestrial connectivity.
Highlighting the pivotal role of digital innovation in driving sustainable development, Anokye underscored the NCA’s strategic plan aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and facilitating regulatory adaptability in the face of evolving technologies.
Echoing these sentiments, Minister of Communications and Digitalisation Ursula Owusu-Ekuful reaffirmed the government’s commitment to harnessing digital advancements for national progress. Initiatives such as the Digital Ghana agenda and the Rural Cellular Digital Inclusion Project exemplify this dedication by extending internet access to millions and promoting digital literacy nationwide.
Moreover, global cooperation emerged as a recurring theme, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizing the imperative of inclusive digital governance. He highlighted forthcoming initiatives like the Global Digital Compact, slated to be ratified at the Summit of the Future, as pivotal in leveraging digital innovations to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a global scale.
As the world marked World Telecommunications and Information Society Day on May 17, commemorating the historic International Telegraph Convention of 1865, the occasion served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of telecommunications and information technologies in shaping our collective future.
