CSquared Invests $125M in Fibre Optic Networks to Boost African Internet Access
Africa’s digital aspirations hinge on a fundamental element often unseen: fibre optic infrastructure. The lack of widespread fibre deployment presents a significant hurdle to affordable and high-speed internet access for a vast population. Addressing this critical need, CSquared, a pan-African technology firm, is making a substantial $125 million investment in the deployment of open-access, carrier-neutral fibre networks across the continent. This significant commitment aims to revolutionize broadband accessibility and reliability, facilitating a more connected future for millions.
Building the Foundation for African Connectivity
CSquared, originating from Google’s “Project Link” initiative in Uganda in 2011 and later spun off in 2017 with the backing of Google, Mitsui & Co, Convergence Partners, and the IFC, is a major wholesale fibre provider in Africa. The company’s core strategy addresses the problem of duplicated infrastructure investment. Instead of multiple mobile operators and Internet service providers (ISPs) independently building their own costly networks, CSquared constructs the essential fibre optic infrastructure. They then lease capacity on this infrastructure to any entity requiring it. This model not only reduces redundancy but also fosters competition and affordability. To date, CSquared has installed over 7,500 kilometers of fibre optic cable in several African countries.
Keywords
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