The long anticipated fibre optic operators SEACOM, went live on Thursday in five countries simultaneously. These countries included Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa. According to report Rwanda is set to be linked up in two weeks’ time.

Officials quoted in the international press said that the cable will unlock the continents high speed internet potential.  Sooner than later, Rwanda will also be part of the information super highway and would be able to compete on a level platform with more established economies in the region

The Kenyan press said the commissioning in Mombasa, was marked with a live telecast by Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete in Dar es Salaam, who was linked with journalists in Kampala, Maputo, Johannesburg, London and Marseille.

SEACOM announced in Mombasa that it would offer wholesale prices ranging from $100 per megabyte unlike the previous more expensive satellite infrastructure whose charges have been as high as $7,000 per megabyte.

Schools, research and health institution will be given a better deal.

In a live feed from Dar-es-salam, SEACOM President Brian Herlihy said that the 17,000 Km long sea cable worth $760 million will change the connectivity and Africa’s economy.

Ends