International Finance Corporation (IFC) has released $20 million to expand the range of broadband network and digital services in Seychelles.
The funds, according to IFC, will enable telecommunications provider, Intelvision, lease a new cable being built by Vodafone Carrier Services as a branch of the 2Africa cable network.
‘The new cable will complement the existing Seychelles East Africa System and is expected to lower the cost of connectivity for telecom operators on the islands and increase competition for fixed broadband and mobile data services’, the IFC said in a statement.
Fifty-three percent of Seychelles’ population use the internet with over 150,000 mobile cellular subscriptions and 26,000 broadband subscriptions.
IFC’s support to Intelvision is expected to provide data, internet, pay-TV and internet-based voice services as well as increase the capacity of its existing Fibre Optic and hybrid fibre coaxial networks.
The IFC Country Manager for Seychelles, Marcelle Ayo, reiterated the corporation’s commitment to help the government improve its digital economy and navigate the challenges of Covid-19.
The pandemic has severely impacted Seychelles’ macroeconomic performance, with real GDP growth, which averaged 4.2 percent from 2016–2019, contracting by 12.9 percent in 2020.
‘By working with Intelvision to expand Seychelles’ digital offering, we can help the country meet growing demand for internet connectivity while helping to lower prices to build a strong foundation for the country’s digital economic development’, Ayo said in the statement.
The 2Africa cable network is one of the largest subsea projects in the world, spanning over 37,000 kilometers and connecting 26 countries around the world.
Chairman of Intelvision, Mukesh Valabhji, said the new cable system will also allow Intelvision to eventually expand its terrestrial network by providing 4G and 5G mobile networks.
‘I think it will revolutionise the way we experience the internet here in Seychelles. We are pleased to work together with Vodafone and IFC amidst the challenges of the pandemic’, Valabhji said.
‘Our aim is to enhance the telecommunication infrastructure of Seychelles and strengthen our digital offering to the people of Seychelles’.
Source: IFC
Photo source: Marco Verch
