Flattening The World: The Prospects for Fibre Optic Technology in Africa

From the introduction:

"In Africa, the channels of communication are underdeveloped or inappropriate due to numerous factors. After independence from colonial rule, the lack of an adequate telecommunication infrastructure impeded national development in many African states. Until the 1980s, the principal means of communication were still newspapers, books, telephone, radio, and television. However, with the development of advanced technology, such as satellite and fibre optic networks, advances in the computer industry and the advent of the Internet, new forms of communication media are creating opportunities for African countries to develop their modern telecommunication infrastructure."

This paper aims to outline the prospects for fiber optic technology in Africa .It initially defines fibre optic technology and explains how fibre optic networks function. The article looks at some fibre optic networks in Africa and how fibre optics applications are being used to enhance technological and economic development. Its priniciple uses, as stated here, are: long-carriage inter-exchange telephone communications, local area networks for data distribution, and in combination with coaxial cable for cable television.

The author describes the advantages and the drawbacks of fibre optic cable and describes projects such as the Third Southern Africa Telecommunication/West Africa Submarine Cable/South Africa-Far East Project (SAT3/WASC/SAFE), which links Southern Africa with a cable from Portugal that continues to East Asia, and the Eastern African Submarine System (EASSY), which was proposed in 2003 with the main goal of improving the quality of telecommunication services and reducing cost of bandwidth in Eastern African countries. The paper then looks at the future of fibre optic technology in promoting modern technological advancement in the international telecommunication sector. The author sees the cable as potentially bridging the digital divide by creating linking networks throughout Africa, leading to economic advancement through such advantages as improved access to markets and job opportunities through outsourcing.

In conclusion, the paper recommends strong leadership for project completions, and competition in the communications industry, rather than use of nationalised carriers. It cites the need for speeding up New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) e-projects, namely, the e-school initiatives and those related to e-policies, e-strategies, tele-medicine, e-commerce and e-governance, as the organisation completes integration and policy efforts.