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

firefighters community outreach

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Firefighters Bring Joy to Children

In December 2024, firefighters brightened the holidays for children in care facilities by delivering wrapped gifts with big smiles. Partnering with Pick n Pay, they spread joy and gratitude after receiving support during a tough summer of wildfires. Each visit was a heartwarming reminder of kindness, as firefighters became symbols of generosity, teaching kids about empathy and community spirit. This joyful initiative shows how simple acts of giving can light up lives and strengthen bonds in the community.

justice gender-based violence

A Persistent Nightmare in Embalenhle: Justice Served

In Embalenhle, South Africa, a dark nightmare unfolded as Themba Prince Shongwe committed terrible crimes, including rapes and murders, from 2016 to 2018. The community lived in fear as he targeted innocent girls, causing heartbreak and loss. Finally, justice was served when he was found guilty and sentenced to nine life terms in prison, bringing relief to the grieving families and a sense of safety back to the community. This victory shines a light on the importance of standing against violence and working together to protect the vulnerable.

street lighting community safety

Illuminating Cape Town: Lighting Up Safety and Community

Cape Town’s streetlight program shines brightly as it manages over 245,000 lights, making the city safer and more inviting, especially during the festive season. The community plays a vital role by reporting issues and staying alert, working together to protect these lights from theft and vandalism. With a focus on sustainability, the city is switching to energyefficient LEDs, reducing its environmental impact while keeping streets welllit. This initiative not only lights up the city but also brings people together, creating a warm and safe atmosphere that showcases Cape Town’s beauty at night.

housing development community empowerment

A Beacon of Hope: Gugulethu’s New Housing Project

The Gugulethu Infill Housing Project is bringing joy and hope to the community of Gugulethu, South Africa, by building 52 new homes for deserving families. This celebration marks a fresh start for many, especially the elderly and middleaged residents who finally have a safe place to call home. As they move in, they not only gain shelter but also a sense of belonging and stability. This project symbolizes the community’s strength and resilience, showing that together, they can overcome challenges and build a brighter future. The new homes are more than just buildings; they represent dreams coming true and a promise of better days ahead.

colonel celeste van der klashorst gender-based violence

Championing Justice: The Journey of Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst

Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst is a fearless leader in South Africa’s fight against violence and crime, especially those targeting women and children. With over thirty years of service, she created Child Protection Units and now leads the National SECI Unit, tackling serious issues like serial rape and child pornography. Her team’s recent success in a major operation has led to arrests and rescued children, showing the powerful impact of her work. Colonel van der Klashorst inspires others with her passion for justice, making her a shining example of hope and resilience in the battle for a safer society.