Togo: New decree makes deploying fiber optics compulsory for some construction projects

ITC

Friday, 15 January 2021 18:19

Togo: New decree makes deploying fiber optics compulsory for some construction projects

(Togo First) - To fast-track the deployment of fiber optics across the country, the Togolese government adopted a new decree imposing all persons and firms undertaking construction projects to systematically deploy the fiber, at their own cost.

Togo First was informed of the reform last Thursday, by the minister of the digital economy and digital transformation, Cina Lawson.

Specifically, the decree concerns projects to expand water, power, railway, and road networks, as well as those related to ports and airports.

Works to lay the fiber as these projects are being carried out will be executed by the Digital Infrastructure Company (Société d’Infrastructures Numériques - SIN) which is fully owned by the State.

Connecting telephone towers to fiber optics networks

In line with the authorities’ ambition to rapidly deploy the fiber, it will be connected to nearby telephone towers.

Lawson stressed that “more than ever, it is necessary to cut costs to deploy the optical fiber and speed up its expansion,” in a context where the government plans to provide internet access to 95% of the population by 2025.

In this framework, the minister of the digital economy added that the adoption of the new decree “facilitates digital development in the country.” It also reminds us that “implementing the government’s development roadmap revolving around the digital sector will require broadband’s democratization and improving the quality of mobile network services.”

It should be emphasized that deploying the optical fiber, according to the ministry of the digital economy, directly aligns with Togo’s goal to become a digital hub and Africa’s top fiber-connected country, by 2025.

Séna Akoda

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