In his state of the nation address delivered this week, the Seychelles head of state, James Michel says Seychelles biggest challenge is connection to a submarine fibre optic cable.
His remark is the first admission from the Seychelles authority that the implementation of this project is still on the drawing board.
In his 2006 speech President Michel promised that his government would approach the private sector to form a partnership to provide the islands direct access to the Internet through a submarine cable link.
Twelve months on, the project is still a “discussion topic” on the government’s agenda.
“This is a very big project which will require a partnership between government and the private sector. A specific study on the project will start soon,” offered Mr Michel.
Eight years on after the arrival of the WWW on it shores, Seychelles remains totally dependent on satellites technology for its communications with the outside world.
Critics say President Michel’s admission should fuel calls from the business community urging the government to put its words into action.
“Such connection will provide faster Internet and telecommunication access and will allow the development of new businesses in that field,” says VCS’ Executive Chairman, Mark Hoareau.
To date one submarine cable has been laid in the Indian Ocean. SAFE (South Africa-Far East) is a connection of over 13,800 km from Cape Town in South Africa to Malaysia, linking Seychelles’ neighbours Mauritius, Reunion and India on the way.
2 comments:
If my judgement's right, one year on after the initial annoucement absolutely nothing has been done yet to materialise the project. Is the MIIT really serious or was the plan announced simply to boost the country's image? The media itself is not following the issue, despite its importance. So how can we expect the government to be accountable? I'm patiently awaiting for the 2008 state of nation address....
Just found out about your blog. As a seychellois, i believe that it will be too late by the time seychelles decides to join the the undersea high speed cable. There are now two cables that will be laid; TEAMS and EASSY. How long till will join? Maybe Seychelles Digital should put some pressure. Outline its importance. Put it on the news. Let people know about it.
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