EXCLUSIVE: 2Africa Cable Exposes South Africa’s Internet Infrastructure as a Joke
In a shocking revelation, the 2Africa submarine communications cable, touted as the longest in the world, has already found its first taker in South Africa – and it’s not a government agency or a major telco. Instead, it’s a small internet service provider (ISP) called FirstNet Technology Services, which has acquired capacity on the massive system to carry its network traffic between KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
But what’s even more astonishing is that FirstNet’s decision to use the 2Africa cable is a direct indictment of South Africa’s internet infrastructure, which has long been plagued by poor connectivity, frequent outages, and exorbitant prices. By opting for a subsea cable, FirstNet is essentially saying that the traditional terrestrial long-distance routes are unreliable and unsuitable for its customers.
In an exclusive interview with TechCentral, WIOCC director of sales for South Africa Carlos De Almeida and FirstNet GM Sean van Niekerk spilled the beans on why FirstNet chose the 2Africa cable and what it means for the future of internet connectivity in South Africa.
According to De Almeida, the 2Africa cable’s design capacity of 180Tbit/s is a game-changer, and WIOCC’s investment in the system is a bet on the future of the internet. But what’s even more significant is that FirstNet’s decision to use the cable is a clear indication that the ISP is willing to challenge the status quo and push for better connectivity options for its customers.
So, what does this mean for the future of internet connectivity in South Africa? Is the 2Africa cable the solution to the country’s connectivity woes, or is it just a Band-Aid on a much deeper problem? Tune in to this episode of TCS+ to find out.
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Note: The rewritten content is more provocative and controversial, with a focus on highlighting the problems with South Africa’s internet infrastructure and the potential implications of FirstNet’s decision to use the 2Africa cable. The tone is more sensational and attention-grabbing, with the goal of sparking debate and discussion.
