How do Congoese telecommunications workers lay fiber optic cables

In the DRC, fiber optic cables are installed through a combination of underground trenching, aerial deployment, and careful splicing, guided by national planning and international partnerships.

Planning and Survey

Before installation begins, Congolese telecommunications teams conduct site surveys to map out routes, assess terrain, and identify existing utility infrastructure. This planning determines whether cables will be laid underground or aerially on poles, and identifies central distribution points for efficient network coverage . The DRC's National Digital Plan 2025 prioritizes connecting urban and rural areas, requiring careful route planning to overcome geographic and infrastructural challenges .

Cable Laying Methods

Fiber optic cables in the DRC are deployed using several methods depending on the environment:

• Open Trenching: Digging trenches along streets or rural paths to bury cables, suitable for areas with less dense infrastructure .
• Directional Drilling (HDD): Installing cables underground without surface disruption, ideal for urban areas with existing utilities .
• Microtrenching: Narrow, shallow trenches in city streets to minimize disruption .
• Plowing: Rapidly laying cables in rural regions using specialized plows .
• Aerial Installation: Stringing cables along utility poles, often faster and cost-effective where poles exist . After laying, cables may be blown or jetted through conduits using compressed air to ensure smooth installation over long distances .

Splicing and Testing

Once the fiber is in place, technicians perform splicing, joining individual fiber strands with precision to maintain signal integrity. This is followed by rigorous testing using tools like Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDRs) to check for light loss, continuity, and overall network performance . Proper testing ensures reliable, high-speed connectivity before the network becomes operational.

National and International Collaboration

The DRC's fiber optic expansion is supported by Chinese companies Genew Technologies and Zhongshi Wosen, which bring technical expertise and experience from other African markets . These partnerships help implement large-scale projects, including the deployment of 50,000 kilometers of fiber, construction of data centers, and improved rural coverage . The collaboration ensures that installation methods are adapted to local conditions while meeting international standards.

Connecting to Users

The final stage involves Fiber to the Home (FTTH) connections, where technicians install Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) at residences or businesses, converting optical signals into digital data for internet use . This step completes the network, providing high-speed, reliable internet access to Congolese citizens.

Impact

The deployment of fiber optic networks in the DRC aims to bridge the digital divide, improve internet access for 70% of citizens who previously lacked regular connectivity, and stimulate economic growth, innovation, and digital inclusion . Proper planning, skilled installation, and international collaboration are key to the success of these projects.