On Tuesday, August 4, Huawei Marine Networks Co. Ltd. (Huawei Marine), announced the commencement of the Nigeria-Cameroon Submarine Cable System (NCSCS).
The NCSCS will be Cameroon’s first government owned submarine cable. Spanning approximately 1,100 km, the NCSCS will directly link the seaport city of Kribi in Cameroon with the Nigerian megacity Lagos, delivering 12.8 Tbps of capacity to broadband users in both countries by the end of 2015.
At the commencement ceremony in Cameroon, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Mr. Jean Pierre Biyiti Bi Essam, said, “The installation of the NCSCS demonstrates the willingness of the Government to implement a true broadband infrastructure development policy throughout Cameroon’s national territory”.
The NCSCS is just a part of Cameroon’s broader strategic plan for building a National Broadband Network. Mr. David Nkoto Emane, General Manager, Cameroon Telecommunications Corporation (CAMTEL), said, “The NCSCS system enables us to provide users with faster bandwidth connectivity at a significantly lower cost. By providing direct connection to Nigeria, the cable system will also serve to enhance Cameroon’s position as the major bandwidth hub in the region and internationally to Europe and beyond.”
Utilizing Huawei Marine’s industry leading Wavelength Division Multiplex (WDM) and Optical Transport Network (OTN) technologies, the NCSCS also incorporates the world’s first titanium-cased six-fiber pair repeater – the RPT 1660. The second generation repeater is the smallest and lightest repeater available today (40% lighter than any other optical amplifier). The slim-line titanium casing supports enhanced burial capability through simultaneous lay and burial beneath the seabed which reduces both marine installation costs and associated system risk.
Mr. Mike Constable, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei Marine, said, “We are proud to have achieved this important milestone and excited to be entering into the marine installation phase of this landmark project that will bring all-important connectivity to Cameroon and the region.”
Photo Credit: Pascal Charest via Compfight cc
