CAMTEL decries vandalism of its fibre optic network.

The outing of the institution comes in the wake of service interruptions that has provoked concerns nationwide. In addition to an earlier statement CAMTEL issued clarifying other technical details for which some of its partners bears responsibility, the company is insistent of hindsight works to derail its lead role in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

With a 12,000 kilometer fiber optic infrastructure that would soon witness an additional 4,000 kilometer extension, sources say, demonstrates CAMTEL's commitment to serve the nation to diverse ways.

Being the manager of the fiber optic, which is the backbone of Cameroon’s electronic communications, CAMTEL, its officials say, has remained resolute in keeping the facility up to standards.

The Head of State, President Paul Biya, is said to have also taken interest in the determination of CAMTEL to strengthen the nation’s fiber optic facility. During his recent visit to China, the Head of State went along with the Director General of CAMTEL, Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi. 

The result of such engagement from the Head of State, The Guardian Post gathered, is the soon-to-be extension of the fiber optic infrastructure of CAMTEL, by at least 4,000 kilometers.

Being a key player the nation’s digital adjustment to provide key infrastructure required for development efforts, CAMTEL has shown multiform resilience.

Amid its resilience, connectivity issues have always come to the fore, but CAMTEL, officials said, has the capacity and wherewithal to shoulder on and meet the digital infrastructure service needs of the Cameroonian society, the Central African Sub region and beyond.

Days ago, the Telecommunications Regulatory Board mostly known by its French abbreviation, ART, raised concerns about interruptions on the fiber optic network.

The concern of ART raised mixed reaction but CAMTEL is clear that, the interruptions are the outplay of repeated acts of sabotage on the company’s fiber optic.

In a recent statement, the company said the interruptions are “mainly due to acts of vandalism, energy hazards and public works”. 

The company, however, said the situation underscores the need for infrastructure that is secure and resilient.

While its technicians are working relentlessly to address what needs to be address at the level of CAMTEL, officials said the company is building on recent exploits of Biya’s China visit to boost its fiber optic.

CAMTEL says its fiber optic expansion drive is an, “ambitious project” which “aims to serve areas not yet covered, offering state-of-the-art connectivity to businesses and individuals”.

Need for synergy to protect vital heritage

In the face of the acts of sabotage which CAMTEL says undermines the workability of the fiber optic infrastructure, the company has called for synergy to protect the nation’s fiber optic backbone.

Guaranteeing modernisation, resilience 

Beyond developing its network, CAMTEL has continued to explore other options to modernise and ensure it boasts of infrastructure that can withstand unforeseen circumstances.

Not long ago, CAMTEL integrated the fibre optic of electricity supply company, Energy of Cameroon, ENEO, to enhance its national groundwork.

CAMTEL has backup from four international submarine cables. This alone, the company’s officials are saying, gives it an upper hand capacity to efficiently serve Cameroon and other member countries of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, CEMAC. 

As it stands CAMTEL, it being stated, stands as Cameroon’s proud provider of broadband services across Central Africa.

In addition to these, CAMTEL equally has the Tier 3-certified Zamengoe Data Centre which remains a major asset. The data centre, officials say, functions to standard, aligning with international reliability and security benchmarks. It host necessary amenities for local enterprises and backs digital expansion.

Not long ago, CAMTEL entered a deal with the Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation, CAMWATER, to boost the solidity of the fiber optic network and minimise destructions.

The company, we gathered, is also working with the Cameroon Railway Corporation, CAMRAIL to support network expansion. 

Officials of CAMTEL hold that the potential partnership will result in infrastructural and economic spinoffs for Cameroon in no small measure.

Building for today, tomorrow 

CAMTEL under its General Manager, Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi, has maintained a proactive approach in dealing with issues. It has adopted a policy of recruiting young engineers to bolster its workforce.

Officials said it is a deliberate skills absorption process to address its network needs of today and the future. 

The fresh batch of technicians and engineers, the company insists, has been hitting new heights in maintaining infrastructure.

It is those a company running with government’s vision to expand the country’s digital infrastructure. CAMTEL officials say the company remains determined to provide the best of services to citizens.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3241 of Thursday September 26, 2024