Broadband/Connectivity/Telcos News Telcos

Ooredoo Oman inks deal for 2Africa cable system landing in Barka and Salalah

The 2Africa Cable System, spanning 45,000km, will connect over 3bn people in 33 countries on three continents upon completion.

Ooredoo Oman has finalised an agreement for the landing of the 2Africa Cable System in Barka and Salalah, marking the most extensive subsea cable system landing ever witnessed in the Sultanate of Oman.

Spanning an impressive 45,000 km, the 2Africa Cable System is set to become the largest subsea cable system globally. Upon its completion, it will significantly impact more than 3bn people across 33 countries spanning Africa, Asia, and Europe. The 2Africa consortium comprises Bayobab, center3, China Mobile International, Meta, Orange, Telecom Egypt, Vodafone Group, and WIOCC, with Alcatel Submarine Networks handling the manufacturing and installation of the cable.

Commenting on the agreement, Bassam Yousef Al Ibrahim, CEO of Ooredoo Oman, said: “After previously landing SMW-5 and TGN Gulf in Oman, landing the 2Africa cable represents a further step in our vision to be the neutral partner of choice for landing submarine cable systems and supporting Ooredoo to become a truly global connectivity player in the coming years. Extending our reach regionally and internationally is a key focus for Ooredoo and a central goal of our strategy.”

Salalah and Barka have been selected as the gateways for these landings, with Salalah emerging as a significant new submarine cable landing hub in the southern part of Oman, and Barka, strategically located in Muscat, the capital city. Ooredoo Oman is committed to developing a completely new landing infrastructure for both Barka and Salalah, with a pledge to maintain it in the decades to come. This state-of-the-art infrastructure will set a new standard for submarine cable systems landing in Oman, ensuring robust connectivity and access for all operators in the country.

Najib Khan, Group Chief Business Services Officer, Ooredoo, added: “Navigating the complex web of global connectivity demands innovative solutions. The landing of the 2Africa Cable System in Oman not only strengthens our commitment to providing robust connectivity but also positions Ooredoo as a leading player in the global telecommunications landscape, ready to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”