TCTS manages SEACOM cable system

TCTS NOC has started managing the network administration, operations and maintenance functions of this SEACOM cable system which connects Africa to the rest of the world.

TCTS aims to enhance connectivity for businesses based out of Europe, Asia and India by providing them with cable and capacity options into Africa and vice versa. The SEACOM cable system allows Tata Communications to provide network services from South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya to its networks in Europe, Asia and India.

"We are proud to be associated with the SEACOM cable project that will bring much needed connectivity into Africa. With our expertise in managing operations of submarine and terrestrial networks, we can bring process efficiencies to SEACOM and as a result transform the businesses and lives of the local people," said V.S. Shridhar, chief operating officer of TCTS.

The launch of SEACOM augments the SAT3 and SAFE cables in West Africa and South Africa. This gives telcos in Africa the ability to provide a fully redundant service by supplying access via two routes to anywhere in the world, and can reach Europe, for the first time, via multiple routes.

"Before the development of this cable system, most east and southern African nations relied on small and costly satellite circuits to meet their international network requirements," said Brian Herlihy, SEACOM CEO. "SEACOM's establishment marks the first step in meeting the region's fast rising demand for bandwidth and connectivity and we expect many more services to be rolled out as a result of SEACOM's arrival. Businesses using the SEACOM network will truly benefit from TCTS' expertise in managing all business and network operations as well as the leverage offered through the broader Tata Communications group of businesses."

SEACOM is 76.25% African-owned by:

• Industrial Promotion Services (26.56%), an arm of the Aga
  
• Khan Fund for Economic Development
  
• Venfin Limited (25%)
  
• Convergence Partners (12.5%)
  
• Shanduka Group (12.5%)

The remaining 23.44% is held by Herakles Telecom LLC.