Tech

Telecom Egypt launches digital platform to connect networks with subsea cable systems

Published

1 year ago

September 27, 2023

Egypt’s first integrated telecom operator and the country’s largest subsea cables operator, Telecom Egypt has announced launching its new subsea cable system which will connect internet networks in the country.

The infrastructure known as
“WeConnect ecosystem”, according to Mohamed Nasr, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Telecom Egypt, will provide the North African country with an “agile access” to extensive subsea cable infrastructure.

“WeConnect enables users to mix and match connectivity between subsea cable systems in the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea using an open and neutral model,” Nasr said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We have a profound understanding of people’s connectivity needs, and throughout our journey have been keen to design solutions and develop our well-established infrastructure to cater to those needs,” he said.

“We have a clear vision that WeConnect will accelerate and support the deployment of our customers’ digital infrastructure.

“It will further enhance how our global partners choose to cross-connect their capacity over various subsea systems.

“WeConnect is our way of adding value to our partners by enabling them to make the best use of their assets, which will ultimately echo into the end user experience globally,” he added.

Seif Mounib, Telecom Egypt Vice President for International and Wholesale, in another statement, said WeConnect’s digital platform would enable users to click-to-order cross-connectivity between the 14 subsea cable systems landing in Egypt’s 10 cable stations, and linked via the 10 terrestrial routes spanning the country.

“Today, with globally competitive pricing schemes, WeConnect users will easily manage their commercial agreements through the online platform to enjoy accelerated access to the growing number of subsea cable systems with greater agility, adaptability, diversity, and resiliency,” he said.

“All our investments focus on accelerating how our partners connect and grow their global network reach. WeConnect is a great step forward in enhancing our operational excellence, demonstrating our commitment to providing an open and transparent global digital infrastructure hub for the international community.”

Click to comment

Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

9 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.