Phase3 to boost West Africa’s one network - Expert

An independent Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Consultant from Brazil, Me. Mike Jensen, has identified the aerial optic fibre network operated by Phase 3Telecom as one of the key initiatives to boost connectivity in the West Africa sub region.

Speaking at the recently concluded African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AFPIF) organized by the Internet Society (ISOC) held in Accra, Ghana, Mr. Jensen said that Phase 3 Telecom’s network is one of those projects that have attracted interest of experts globally especially in the quest towards building a reliable internet in the West African region.

He noted that the high expectation followed the recent signing of an agreement by Phase3 Telecom with INEO Du Energie of France to expand its West Africa One transmission network coverage from the Republic of Benin to Togo.

According to Jensen, who also is ISOC member noted that with this development, Phase3 Telecom becomes the first regional fibre optic cable network provider in West Africa to operate an international fibre backbone interconnecting six West African countries.

Jensen, while identifying a number of initiatives currently going in the continent to boost internet connectivity, explained that the innovative aerial optic fibre system by Phase 3 will improve internet access tremendously.

Jensen who has assisted in the establishment of ICT systems in developing countries for more than 20 years, also said that there was a need for Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) to be established in the continent. According to him, IXPs are vital elements of Internet infrastructure as they enable networks to exchange traffic with each other.

To this end also, Phase3 has recently interconnected at the only IXP in Nigeria, the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria Lagos. This opens Phase3’s clients and customers to enhanced reach and by far lower latency.

Phase3 presently runs a peered backbone with the shortest path to destinations on the internet and by far lower latency. This is particular good for organizations where voice and video conferencing are a major priority.

He noted that one of the benefits of IXPs is that several Internet service providers (ISPs) can connect at a single IXP, creating the potential for a range of technical and economic benefits for the local Internet community.

Jensen added that despite many benefits of interconnection and peering at the internet exchange points (IXP), there was still a need for awareness of the advantages and the values of IXPs.

The forum which brought various speakers from all over the world representing the elite in the telecommunication industry, included the Minister for Communication in Ghana, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu. 

He said that Ghana has interfaced with several undersea communication cables including Glo 1, SAT-3, and Main One cables respectively. “These cables are properly peered at the Ghana Internet Exchange (GIX)” he explained.

Remmy Nweke

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