The SEACOM cable was successfully repaired on 23 July 2010 and all customers have been reinstated to pre-outage configurations. SEACOM would like to take this opportunity to thank all its customers, partners and peers for their collaboration and support during the outage.
The complex repair process for this particularly severe outage was achieved within an extremely tight timeline by TE SubCom - SEACOM’s original turnkey contractor which installed the cable system. In addition, E-Marine, a market leader in submarine cable installation, maintenance and repair also played a critical role in supporting the process from a logistical and project management perspective.
A cable ship was assigned to undertake the repair work and was mobilized. Such a vessel is kitted out for this type of work including undersea measurement and work equipment. Weather conditions were optimal for the duration of the repairs. The cable was quickly lifted, repaired and tested thanks to close coordination between the ship crew, on-shore support and SEACOM’s operational personnel.
As we investigate the exact background details for the fault, we look forward to continue working closely with all industry players to ensure that the African Internet build-up continues to progress as rapidly as it has over the past year. To this end, SEACOM will continue to work on a number of projects with the regional cable industry to develop and roll-out more restoration options that are now recognized as a prime necessity considering the current and forecasted volume and the growing irreversible and critical role of ICT in the region.
