Kenya Power plans 600km expansion of fibre network

Kenya Power plans to lay an additional 600.5 kilometres of fibre optic cable network to lease to telcos as the demand for internet rises in Covid-19 era.

The utility firm, which currently owns more than 4,000 kilometres of the cable on its high voltage power lines, is looking for a contractor for the extension programme that will take 36 months.

“KPLC fibre optic cable network is growing at a very fast rate to meet internal primary telecommunication needs as well as to serve external customers who lease fiber capacity,” says the company.

“KPLC intends to extend its fibre optic cable network to its commercial centers and substations using all-dielectric self-supporting fiber optic cable for improved data connectivity and a small portion with optical ground wire.”

The planned extension comes in the wake of a surge in demand for Internet services as companies continue to direct employees to work from home and people spent most of their time in the houses to lower risks of contracting coronavirus.

The cables will be installed below the high and medium voltage power lines. Business Daily Africa