Congo Canyon Rockfall Damages Undersea Cables, Disrupts Connectivity Services

by
1 min read
undersea cables connectivity services

On August 6th, a rockfall in the Congo Canyon resulted in severe damage to two undersea communication cables, leading to widespread disruptions in internet speeds and connectivity services across the nation. The South Atlantic Telecommunications Cable number three (SAT-3) and the West Africa Cable System (WACS) both suffered cuts on the same day, highlighting the vulnerability of international communication infrastructure.

The Incident

The rupture of SAT-3 took place in the morning, followed by the severing of the WACS cable later that evening. Both cable breaks occurred between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon, as identified by the system’s Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometer.

Impact on Network Provider

Openserve, a division of Telkom, confirmed the cable breaks and stated that the impact on their network was limited to customers on the international private leased circuits (IPLC) services. The network provider reassured their customers that they were collaborating with consortium partners to facilitate the restoration of these cables. Openserve has invested in other international cable capacities, allowing for an automatic re-routing of their IP Transit services (WebReach), ensuring seamless connectivity for their customers.

The Congo Canyon

The Congo Canyon is one of the world’s largest submarine canyons, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, slicing through the continental shelf and slope of Western Equatorial Africa. The WACS, which connects South Africa to Europe along the African west coast, follows this path and terminates in the United Kingdom. The WACS system lands in South Africa at Yzerfontein, Western Cape, while the SAT-3/WACS system enters the country at Melkbosstrand, Western Cape.

Repairs

The damage to the cables presents a significant challenge, and estimates suggest it may take a month or more for the cable repair ship, the Léon Thévenin, to reach the WACS break location, which is approximately 3,600 kilometers northwest of South Africa. The ship is currently occupied with repairs on another subsea cable system and is expected to arrive at the WACS breakage site within the first three weeks of September, subject to weather conditions.

Investment in Alternative Infrastructure

The Congo Canyon rockfall incident highlights the need for investment in alternative communication infrastructure to safeguard against unexpected disruptions. As technology continues to advance, and global connectivity becomes increasingly essential, ensuring that communication systems are resilient and adaptable is crucial for maintaining seamless connections and fostering economic growth.

Tags:

You might be interested in

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

democratic alliance cape town taxi strike
Previous Story

Democratic Alliance Files Ethics Complaint Against National Minister of Transport Over Cape Town Taxi Strike

langa township western cape
Next Story

A Century of Culture: Langa Township Celebrates its Centenary with Art and Community

Latest from Blog

early childhood education toy libraries

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

wastewater management urban sustainability

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

illegal mining south africa

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

fireworks policy public safety

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.