Airtel Africa has
announced the launch of Airtel Africa Telesonic Limited (‘Telesonic’), a
cutting-edge fibre bandwidth service, leveraging ground fibre assets and
submarine cable systems to meet the growing demand for wholesale data in
Africa, by offering comprehensive terrestrial fibre and submarine cable
solutions.
According to a statement
available to Techreview Africa, plans are underway to establish local
entities in key markets where Airtel Africa operates to oversee all fibre
assets and manage the operational aspects of the wholesale business. The
initiative is expected to have a long-term positive impact across Africa by
improving the quality of life for communities and boosting national economies.
It noted that Telesonic
currently has an extensive fibre network across the continent. It has also
invested in the 2Africa submarine cable system which is poised to become the
most comprehensive submarine cable across the continent and the Middle East
region. 2Africa is the largest submarine cable interconnecting 33 countries in
Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
This ambitious project the
statement noted aims to provide customers with a seamless connectivity between
Africa and Europe. It is also set to positively impact communities by enhancing
connectivity in key sectors such as education and healthcare, fostering
improved access and efficiency.
Telesonic will offer
products such as national and international leased line, dedicated internet
access, IP and IP transit services and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)
services through its network of over 75,000 kilometres of terrestrial fibre
across Airtel Africa’s 14 markets.
Airtel Africa’s Group
CEO, Segun Ogunsanya said: “The
establishment of Airtel Africa Telesonic Limited underscores Airtel Africa's
commitment to addressing Africa’s needs for the digital revolution by providing
cutting-edge fibre-optic solutions that will empower businesses, education,
healthcare, and communities at large. No doubt, Africa is experiencing a
digital revolution, with surging demand for data across various sectors
especially by the continent’s growing youth population. With robust and
scalable infrastructure, we aim to bridge the digital divide and unlock
opportunities for innovation and economic growth. Our investment signifies not
just a technological advancement but also a catalyst for progress, connecting
people and ideas across borders.”
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye