NTT's African Telecommunications Network Project: Key Takeaways and Statistics

Strategic Insights -

NTT, the Japanese telecommunications giant, has reached a basic agreement with Hughes and Stanford to provide consulting services on the construction and management of a proposed African telecommunications network. The project aims to create a communications company in each participating African nation, allowing Afronetwork to operate a communication satellite system and construct an optical fiber network connecting major African cities. The plan involves upgrading existing telephone networks in Africa, with key steps including the provision of long-distance and VSAT services using leased satellites, followed by the expansion of telephone services in subsequent years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project will create a communications company in each participating African nation, with Afronetwork to operate for 10 to 15 years in each country.
  • Afronetwork will be granted a license to operate a communication satellite system in Africa, enabling the company to provide telecommunications services across the continent.
  • NTT will provide consulting services on constructing and managing the proposed African telecommunications network, drawing on its experience in a previous international project that installed 1 million telephone circuits in Thailand.
  • The project will involve constructing an optical fiber network connecting major African cities and upgrading existing telephone networks in Africa.
  • The plan will be carried out in steps, with key activities including providing long-distance and VSAT services using leased satellites, delivering long-distance services using optical fiber, and expanding the telephone service area.
  • Participating African nations will create new telephone companies, expected to be delivered between 1996-1998, with a potential expansion of the telephone service area beginning in 1999.

Statistics:

  • 1 million telephone circuits installed in Thailand through a previous international project managed by NTT.
  • 10 to 15 years: the license period for Afronetwork to operate in each participating African nation.
  • 1995: the year long-distance and VSAT services are expected to begin using leased satellites under the project plan.
  • 1996-1998: the planned delivery period for subscriber phone services using optical fiber.
  • 1999: the year the expansion of the telephone service area is expected to begin.

Sources:

  • NTT (Oct. 17)
  • [No additional sources mentioned.]