Following the announcement in February 2021 that African telco, Paratus Group, together with Telecom Namibia, had been selected to build the cable landing station (CLS) for the Equiano subsea internet cable in Namibia, the cable being brought ashore. The Equiano subsea cable will provide communications diversity due to its increased capacity and this will have a direct impact on connectivity with faster internet speeds, more flexibility in the market and an improved user experience for consumers in Namibia and beyond.
Once Equiano becomes fully operational in Q4 this year, it is expected to deliver up to 20 times more capacity than was previously available in Namibia. According to a recent economic impact assessment, conducted by Africa Practice and Genesis Analytics, and commissioned by Google, Equiano’s arrival in
Namibia is set to increase internet speeds by over 2.5 times; increase internet penetration by 7.5 per cent in the next three years; and act as a catalyst for considerable growth, job creation and sustainability.
Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa commenting on the landing of Equiano in Namibia Nitin Gajria, said: “Google is committed to supporting Africa’s digital transformation and we are excited to see the impact of the landing of Equiano in Namibia. We’ve worked with experts – Paratus Group (and Telecom Namibia) in Namibia – to guarantee that Equiano has the greatest potential effect in Namibia and throughout Africa.”
