African Regional Conference for the WSIS Pre-Conference Activities Workshop on Information Society and Regulation: Access and Infrastructure By Peter K Kenduiywo Telkom Kenya EASSy Easterm Africa Submarine Cable System Accra International Conference Centre 30 January 2005

Overview 1.Introduction 2.Background 3.Project Overview 3.1Project Status 3.2Key Milestones 3.3Sources of Finance 3.4Way Forward 4. EADTP – Linking EASSy to the Hinterland 5.Contacts

1.Introduction The Eastern Africa Submarine System (EASSy): optic undersea cable system connecting the region with the rest of the world. commercially viable, robust and reliable undersea cable will provide the owners with significant opportunity to benefit directly from international traffic. International traffic is expected to grow substantially as a higher quality, more reliable, and lower cost undersea system offsets the limitations of traditional satellite communications.

2.Background The 15 MOU Parties driving the project are from the following countries:- Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, Rwanda, Somalia. Membership also expected from the following countries : - Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eritrea, and Burundi

Eastern Africa Submarine System Toliary Durban

Background cont. NEPAD has identified EASSy as a priority project for the enhancement of ICT infrastructure in the region. The regional governments believe that a robust and reliable international telecommunications link will have significant benefits for the citizens of the region in the following ways:- Stimulating investment and economic growth, Providing a more reliable international communications,

Background cont. EASSy will link to the global submarine cable network through other regional undersea systems including SAT3, SAFE, SEA-ME-WE 3 and SEA-ME-WE 4. EASSy will provide the last link to completely encircle Africa by high capacity optic fibre telecommunications networks. The project has broad based support from the telecommunications industry, business community, and regional governments.

SAT-3/WASC SAFE SEA ME WE 3 20 Global Connectivity EASSy

Background cont. Will result in competitive prices for international connectivity The objectives support the ultimate goals of reducing poverty and increasing economic opportunity for the citizens of the Region and in the efforts to facilitate the attainment of the UN MDGs EASSy promises a new era of better quality services at reduced operational costs and user charges.

3. Project Overview The Cable system will connect Mtunzini, located just north of Durban, in South Africa to Port Sudan, in Sudan a distance of about 9,900Km. Other eight landing stations are planned for Maputo - Mozambique, Toliary - Madagascar, Dar-Es-Salaam – Tanzania, Zanzibar – Tanzania, Mombasa – Kenya, Mogadishu – Somalia, Djibouti – Djibouti, and Massawa – Eritrea.

3.1Project Status Detailed Feasibility Study (DFS) by AXIOM of France began mid-November 2004 and currently in progress. DFS to be completed mid-March Interim DFS report from AXIOM is expected in February Drafting Commercial Terms and Conditions, Technical Specification for the supply of the system, Tender documents and drafting of evaluation Procedures have been completed. PMC is in the process of appointing a financial advisor/legal counsel.

3.2Project Milestones Sign MOUQ Agree on Configuration Q Issue Invitation to TenderQ Financial ClosingQ Sign Supply Contract & C&MA Q Cable RFCSQ2 2007

3.3Way Forward and Critical Elements to meet milestones Development of Marketing strategy in progress Appointment of Financial Adviser/ legal counsel for the parties by end February 2005: - To define and implement project structure To carry out road show to financiers through Information Memorandum Development of Capacity Pricing and Incentives for investors. The 1 st Data Gathering Meeting April Financial Closing by April 2005 Issuance of Tender May 2005.

3.4Financing Options Sources of Finance Legible MOU Parties- Equity Strategic Investors- Global carriers Loans to meet financial gap

4. East Africa Digital Transmission System (EADTS) Linking EASSy to the hinterland

East Africa Digital Transmission System (EADTS)

Project Overview Within Kenya Basic EADTS Configuration is a SDH transmission system: from Mombasa to Malaba (Kenya-Uganda border) through Nairobi with Spurs to major towns within the country.

Status of the project Phase 1 of the project consists of system from Nairobi to Mombasa. Contract for this phase has been awarded and work is expected to start February Phase 2 of the project consists of system from Nairobi to Malaba (Kenya –Uganda border). Telkom Kenya in partnership with Kenya Power & Lighting Co. Ltd are in the process of jointly developing phase 2.

Status of the project cont. Project is planned to be completed ahead of of the EASSy System as it is one of the regional backhaul links upon which EASSy will heavily depend.

4. Contacts Project Secretariat Simon A. Olawo Telkom Kenya, Telposta Towers, 24th Floor, Kenyatta Av. P.O Box 30301, GPO, Nairobi Kenya TEL: , FAX: , Project Coordinator John Sihra TEL: , FAX: Mob: : Website

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