Paratus new DRC operation will increase capacity and quality connections for millions of people
Paratus Group announces its expansion into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This coincides with the news that Paratus has won, together with DRC based Global Broadband Solution (GBS), the government tender to activate a 620-kilometer fiber optic network link between Muanda, on the West Coast, to DRC capital city, Kinshasa. Paratus and GBS have established FAST Congo to deliver, operate and maintain the network link in an exclusive 15-year license contract.
By adding DRC to its terrestrial network, Paratus group now boasts a unique and contiguous footprint in Africa, which includes: offices in seven SADC countries; four Data Centers; five satellite teleports with 6 000 customer sites; the Google Equiano Cable landing station in Namibia; an extended network through satellite connectivity-focused service in more than 30 African countries; and international points of presence (PoPs) in UK, Europe and the USA.
Earlier this week, the DRC fiber link deal with FAST Congo was officially signed and announced by SOCOF (Societe Congolaise de Fibre Optique), the government entity established to develop telecommunications infrastructure and equipment in the DRC.
Paratus formed a consortium with local internet service provider, GBS, to create a strategic public private partnership with SOCOF to activate, operate and maintain the fiber highway that was installed and funded by The World Bank. The network spans the railway line between Muanda and Kinshasa which, en route, takes in six towns.
With the objective of increasing connectivity throughout the region, FAST Congo is working towards activating the fiber link in the third quarter of 2022. Paratus group Chief Technical Officer, Rolf Mendelsohn adds: “This is an extremely important strategic development for Paratus. We are not only uniquely qualified to open this fiber highway in DRC, but we’re also uniquely placed to connect the country to Angola, Zambia and beyond via our own network in the SADC. This presents great potential for the region’s economy and for quality connections and increased capacity to be offered as standard to businesses and consumers alike. We are very proud to be the lead company in making this happen.”
The Managing Director of FAST Congo, Francois-Xavier Kabemba adds: “We have already started work on installing the necessary equipment to expedite the fiber optic network’s activation. As our company name implies, we are committed to delivering fast, secure, quality network connections to the people and businesses of DRC so that they may benefit from the unlimited opportunities offered by fiber.”
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About Paratus
Paratus is Africa’s quality network. With an eye on the future, the group is investing in infrastructure and establishing itself as a key player in delivering integrated network services across Africa. Paratus is managed by a passionate and professional operational team in seven African countries – Angola, Botswana, DRC, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia – and the business’s extended network provides a satellite connectivity-focused service in more than 30 African countries to a magnitude of customer satellite connections across Africa. This connects African businesses across the continent and delivers end-to-end service excellence. The group’s footprint extends beyond Africa to international (points of presence) PoPs in UK, Europe, and the USA.
Born and bred in Africa, Paratus is thinking big as it grows its footprint to deliver Africa’s quality network. By understanding the unique opportunities that Africa offers businesses and individuals to break boundaries and to connect without limits, Paratus is committed to raising the bar for providing quality connectivity in Africa.
About Global Broadband Solution (GBS)
Global Broadband Solution (GBS) is an expert company in the design and supply of specialized solutions in the field of telecommunications.
It offers services mainly in optical fiber, Vsat and Wimax to large companies in sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2004. GBS has assets and specificities that allow it to maintain an important place on the Congolese market despite the growing competition in its sector of activity.
With a wide range of services, the company ensures better connectivity to its customers, both companies and individuals.
GBS has a team of experienced and highly qualified engineers and technicians who are always ready to provide permanent assistance to all its customers on the African continent with the most performing equipment that connects them to the world of the Internet from its transmission centers to the final termination equipment.