MainOne, a Lagos-based provider of connectivity and data centre solutions, has elevated broadband connectivity in South-South Nigeria with the successful landing of the 2Africa submarine cable at Qua Iboe, Akwa Ibom state.
Serving as the landing provider for the 2Africa cable system, MainOne facilitated the construction and landing operations of this monumental 45,000-kilometer cable, recognized as the world’s largest. Designed with a capacity of 180Tbps, this high-capacity cable is poised to deliver essential broadband capacity to underserved and unserved markets in the region.
Abayomi Adebanjo, Regional Business Head at MainOne, emphasized the significance of the cable landing, stating that it will accelerate the accessibility of 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband, playing a pivotal role in propelling digital transformation across critical sectors in the region. The cable infrastructure is expected to provide robust connectivity, empowering businesses, institutions, and facilities to thrive digitally.
Adebanjo emphasized that this strategic move aligns with the key parameters outlined in Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure resilience. By ensuring widespread distribution channels, the cable landing is anticipated to unlock a new digital economy ecosystem in the South-South region.
He expressed, “Digital Infrastructure stands as the integral backbone for a thriving digital economy, and the unveiling of this submarine fibre optic cable, spanning 45,000km in length, with a design capacity of up to 180Tbps. Interconnecting Akwa-Ibom and the South-South Region to Europe, Asia and other parts of Africa, signifies the creation of a limitless gateway that will bridge the digital divide by democratising access to millions of people in both underserved and unserved areas of Nigeria.”
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom hailed the project as revolutionary, pledging the state government’s support to facilitate smooth operations. He recognized the cable’s potential to enhance technology and digital innovation within the state.
With the landing of the 2Africa submarine cable, South-South Nigeria is poised to overcome the digital divide and realize its digital transformation aspirations, fostering inclusivity and socio-economic development in the region.