Terrestrial Network – Ethiopia

Strengthening Connectivity with Ethiopia

In August 2007, Djibouti Telecom launched an ambitious project to build a terrestrial fiber optic network that would significantly enhance the connectivity between Djibouti and Ethiopia.

Prior to this development, the existing radio-relay network had proven insufficient to handle the growing volume of traffic flowing between the two nations. Today, this critical fiber optic connection serves as the backbone for seamless communication and data transmission between Djibouti and Ethiopia, two key players in the Horn of Africa’s telecommunications landscape.

Current Capacity and Network Enhancements

The current fiber optic link carries approximately 1.5 Gbps of traffic, providing Ethiopia with a reliable and high-capacity channel for data exchange. As demand for bandwidth continues to rise in the region, Djibouti Telecom remains committed to ensuring that this infrastructure can scale to meet future needs. To further bolster network resilience and enhance service continuity, Djibouti Telecom has invested in additional backup and protection networks. A secondary network is being routed through the Galafi border on the western-central edge of Djibouti, creating an alternative path that ensures uninterrupted service even in the event of a disruption.

Enabling Regional Growth

The partnership between Djibouti Telecom and Ethiopia not only supports the telecommunications needs of the present but also lays the foundation for continued growth in the region.

Enhanced Protection and Infrastructure Integration

In line with its commitment to network reliability, Djibouti Telecom has integrated Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) technology into the power transmission infrastructure, providing an additional layer of fiber protection. This integration of fiber optics into the existing railway network also strengthens the network’s resilience, ensuring Ethiopia remains connected under various circumstances.