DRC connects weak local network to WACS
After several delays and missed opportunities, DRC was finally connected to the West African Cable System (WACS) in July this year, which links Europe to West Africa and South Africa through a 14,530 km submarine fibre-optic cable system. The connection provides potential for DRC to expand internet connectivity and benefit from faster and cheaper internet access, more reliable connections and more advanced services. However, the national transmission network is in poor condition and requires a significant upgrade before the country can benefit from its new international cable connection. Currently, internet penetration is a depressingly low 1.5% of the population, predominantly through mobile networks rather than fixed lines. Until the local network can be improved, operators will continue to rely on more expensive satellite connections to provide and expand their services (mobile penetration is currently around 25% of the population).