Safaricom, the leading telecommunications company in Kenya, is reportedly in the process of seeking regulatory approval from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to establish its own undersea cable. This significant move, if approved, would mark a pivotal development in the company’s operations and the broader telecommunications landscape in the region.
The Communications Authority of Kenya, which serves as the independent regulatory body for the country’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, has confirmed that Safaricom has formally applied for undersea cable landing rights. Securing these rights would enable Safaricom to operate and maintain multiple submarine cables that connect to Kenya, thereby enhancing its infrastructure for internet connectivity.
Should the CA grant approval, this strategic initiative could substantially bolster Safaricom’s capacity to deliver high-speed internet services, improve overall connectivity, and reduce its reliance on third-party cable providers. Currently, Safaricom, under the leadership of CEO Peter Ndengwa, depends on several external submarine cable systems, including SEACOM, the East African Submarine System (Eassy), TEAMS, and Telkom Kenya, to meet its international bandwidth needs.
In Kenya, the management of subsea cable landing rights falls under the jurisdiction of the CA, which ensures that such operations align with national regulations and standards. Reports indicate that Safaricom has formed a consortium to develop this multibillion-dollar underwater internet infrastructure, signaling a significant investment in its future capabilities.
The impetus for this application comes in part from challenges faced last year when Safaricom had to procure additional internet capacity from other undersea cable providers due to extensive disruptions caused by deep-sea cable cuts. These incidents, particularly the cable cut at the Mtunzini teleport station, affected several underwater cables servicing Kenya, notably SEACOM and Eassy, leading to service interruptions for Safaricom’s customers.
Moreover, Safaricom’s pursuit of its own undersea cable is seen as a strategic response to the intensifying competition from other internet service providers, especially with the emergence of satellite internet services like Starlink. Despite Safaricom’s current leadership in the market, boasting over 550,000 fixed broadband connections, the introduction of Starlink in July 2023 has posed new challenges to its dominance, as the number of satellite internet subscriptions in Kenya has surged since then.
If Safaricom’s application is successful, the establishment of its own undersea cable could represent a watershed moment for the company, significantly enhancing its operational autonomy and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a regional hub for internet connectivity. This development could lead to improved service delivery for customers and a more resilient telecommunications infrastructure in the country.
