The Eastern Africa Submarine System (EASSy) has been experiencing issues with several of its links going offline due to a shunt fault. This fault has impacted traffic to the Middle East and Central and Eastern Europe, resulting in increased latency for users in these regions. Despite this, the fault has not caused major disruptions to the continent’s Internet as a whole.
EASSy is a crucial 10,000 km submarine cable system that runs along the east coast of Africa, connecting nine landing stations in countries such as Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. The cable is owned by a consortium of telecommunications companies, including WIOCC, MTN’s Bayobab, Vodacom DRC, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, and Telkom, with WIOCC being the largest shareholder.
The consortium also includes other major players in the telecommunications industry such as BT, Bharti Airtel, Orange, and Saudi Telecom. These companies have come together to provide reliable and high-speed connectivity to the region, supporting the growth of businesses and individuals who rely on the Internet for communication and commerce.
A shunt fault is a specific type of power feed problem that can occur in submarine cables when the insulation protecting the cable is damaged. These cables use underwater amplifiers to boost the light signal traveling along their fiber optic strands, which requires power to operate. Damage to the insulation can occur from various sources such as ship anchors, fishing trawlers, or even sea creatures like sharks.
When the insulation is compromised, it can create a short circuit from the cable’s metallic core to the seawater, resulting in a shunt fault. This type of fault can disrupt the flow of data through the cable and impact connectivity for users in the affected regions. In this case, the exact cause of the cable break is still unknown, according to a spokesperson from WIOCC.
Despite the challenges posed by the shunt fault, the consortium is working diligently to address the issue and restore connectivity to the affected areas. The resilience and dedication of these companies highlight the importance of reliable and robust infrastructure in supporting the digital economy of Eastern Africa.
As the situation continues to develop, it is essential for users and businesses in the region to stay informed and prepared for any potential disruptions in connectivity. By working together and leveraging the expertise of the consortium members, EASSy can overcome these challenges and continue to provide essential services to the people of Eastern Africa.