Since 2019, the government has persisted in its vision of digital technology as a strategic component of development. To this end, it is gradually carrying out several investments aimed at digital inclusion and economic growth.
Fiber Access Service Technology Congo (Fast-Congo) has won the leasing contract for the operation and maintenance of the Kinshasa-Muanda fiber optic network belonging to the Congolese Fiber Optic Company (SOCOF). The agreement materializing this official collaboration was signed by the two parties on Monday 14 March.
Valid for 15 years, the agreement provides that Fast Congo will install its transmission equipment along the Kinshasa-Muanda axis to provide wholesale Internet services to telecommunications operators. It will also repair any damage that may hinder the operation of the high-speed telecom infrastructure.
Adèle Kayinda, the Minister of Portfolio, present at the signing of the agreement between Fast Congo and SOCOF, indicated that the operation of this network should bring a surplus of capacities to satisfy a greater number of consumers, and allow them to reap the socio-economic benefits of broadband at affordable costs. She pointed out that this additional capacity will help bridge the digital divide in the country.
The contract awarded to FAST Congo came about two weeks after the adoption by the government, meeting in the Council of Ministers on March 4, of the affermage model for the management of the optical fiber section. An option that guarantees international expertise for the marketing of telecom infrastructure capacities, but also for troubleshooting in the event of an incident.
According to the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, New Information and Communication Technologies, Augustin Kibassa, the public-private partnership between Fast Congo and SOCOF responds to the ambitions of the Head of State Félix Tshisekedi to improve the environment. of the country in order to make it a lever for integration, good governance, economic growth and social progress.