Blog Layout
Facebook to build internet cable ‘circumference of Earth’
Leo Daniels • May 18, 2020
This is a subtitle for your new post
Facebook is teaming up with telecoms companies to build a 37,000km (23,000-mile) undersea cable to supply faster internet to 16 countries in Africa.
Its length – almost equal to the circumference of the Earth – will make it one of the longest, it said.
It is part of a long-running bid by Facebook to take its social media platform to Africa’s young population.
Ready for use by 2024, it will deliver three times the capacity of all current undersea cables serving Africa.
“When completed, this new route will deliver much-needed internet capacity, redundancy, and reliability across Africa, supplement a rapidly increasing demand for capacity in the Middle East, and support further growth of 4G, 5G, and broadband access for hundreds of millions of people,” said Facebook in a blog.
Africa lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to internet access, with four in 10 people across the continent having access to the web, compared with a global average of six in 10.
But the continent represents huge opportunities for technology firms and businesses with its population of 1.3 billion.
The cost of the 2Africa project – which will connect Europe and the Middle East to the continent – has not been disclosed but Bloomberg reported it could be close to $1bn (£820m).
Sub-sea cables carry the vast majority of the world’s inter-continental data. They can handle much more data and offer faster transmission at a lower cost compared with other methods.
The cable – which will be built by Nokia Oyj’s Alcatel Submarine Networks – will run along the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
It will be buried deeper than previous systems for greater protection against external damage from things such as ships’ anchors.
The fibre-optic cables will have double the capacity of older ones, making use of Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM1) technology.
Facebook is teaming up with Johannesburg-based MTN Group, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone and Orange SA.
Vodafone said it would pave the way for developing digital businesses on the continent.
“We need to ensure that there is enough internet capacity to not only get people online but to help build a modern digital society that includes services that require a large amount of data transfer, such as cloud computing or video,” said Nick Gliddon, director of Vodafone Carrier Services.
As well as helping businesses, it will also improve healthcare and education, he added.
We’re 1-fix, we can help you secure your business
At 1-fix, we take a realistic approach to technology – ensuring our client’s systems are best protected.
If you have any concerns, questions or simply want to explore how to better secure your business, please do get in touch with the team for a FREE demonstration, consultation to explore how exposed your business might be and identify actions to take.
Join Our Mailing List
All sign-ups are handled inline with our privacy policy and can unsubscribe at any time.
Recent Blogs
Data loss can occur due to various reasons, including hardware failures, cyberattacks, natural disasters, and human error. To protect your business from these risks, it's crucial to implement a strong data backup and security strategy.
While technology is essential for a successful business, it can also be a significant expense. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to reduce IT costs without compromising on quality or performance.
Businesses are constantly faced with decisions about how to best manage their IT infrastructure. One of the most significant choices is whether to adopt cloud services or stick with on-premises solutions. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your business's specific needs and goals. Let's explore the key differences between cloud services and on-premises solutions to help you make an informed decision.
Nowadays, businesses rely heavily on technology to operate efficiently and stay competitive. However, with the increasing dependence on IT systems, businesses also face a myriad of IT issues that can disrupt operations and impact productivity.
One of the most effective tools to protect your business against cyber attacks is a password manager. But what exactly is a password manager, how does it work, and why is it essential for your business?
One of the most effective ways to protect your organisation from cyber threats is through Security Awareness Training. But what exactly is Security Awareness Training, how does it work, and why is it essential for your business? Let's explore these questions with a focus on KnowBe4, a leading platform in this field.
Get in Touch
Fill in this form to contact us and we'll get back to you ASAP (same working day where possible):
Contact Us
1-Fix Limited
Company Registration Number: 06543233
Registered address:
1-Fix Limited
1F02 Arena Business Centre, 100 Berkshire Place, Winnersh Triangle, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 5RD
