Lake Tanganyika

Overview

The Lake Tanganyika submarine cable is a planned underwater fiber-optic system spanning 370 kilometers, set to become operational in 2025. Owned and operated by Bandwidth and Cloud Services (BCS), the cable is designed to enhance telecommunications infrastructure within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). By connecting Kalemie and Uvira, two cities on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, this cable will provide a critical link for internet access, enterprise connectivity, and regional communications. Its deployment reflects ongoing efforts to improve digital infrastructure in central Africa, addressing the growing demand for reliable and high-speed data transmission.

Route and Landings

The Lake Tanganyika cable traverses the waters of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake and the longest in Africa. Its route connects Kalemie and Uvira, both located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kalemie, situated on the western shore of the lake, serves as a regional hub for transportation and trade. Uvira, located further north along the lake’s coastline, is a key urban center near the border with Burundi. These landing points are strategically chosen to support regional connectivity and economic activities in areas that have historically faced challenges in accessing modern telecommunications infrastructure.

Lake Tanganyika itself is a vital geographic feature, shared by four countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Burundi, and Zambia. The cable’s route leverages the lake’s natural corridor to provide a direct and efficient connection between its landing points, bypassing rugged terrain and logistical barriers that characterize much of the region. This underwater system will play a significant role in bridging the digital divide for communities along the lake’s shores.

Ownership and History

The Lake Tanganyika submarine cable is owned and operated by Bandwidth and Cloud Services (BCS), a company specializing in cloud and bandwidth solutions across Africa. BCS has a track record of deploying infrastructure to address the continent’s growing demand for data services. While the cable is scheduled to be ready for service in 2025, its development aligns with broader efforts to modernize telecommunications networks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This project represents a significant investment in the region’s digital future, aiming to provide reliable connectivity to underserved areas.

Historically, the Democratic Republic of Congo has faced challenges in building robust telecommunications systems due to its vast size, complex geography, and limited infrastructure. The Lake Tanganyika cable marks a step forward in overcoming these obstacles, offering a dedicated fiber-optic link that will support economic growth, education, and social development in the region. BCS’s involvement underscores the importance of private-sector initiatives in advancing connectivity across Africa.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the Lake Tanganyika cable has recorded 538 measured corridors, demonstrating the system’s capacity for efficient data transmission. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) is 81 milliseconds, while the average RTT across all measurements stands at 225 milliseconds. These metrics indicate a promising level of performance for the cable, suggesting it will provide a reliable and responsive connection once operational.

Such latency figures are particularly significant for regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where dependable internet access is crucial for development. The cable’s design and routing aim to minimize delays, ensuring high-quality service for users in Kalemie, Uvira, and surrounding areas. As the system becomes operational, continued monitoring will provide valuable insights into its performance and impact on local connectivity.