On 21 August 2024, the ETC successfully activated a 1Gbps dedicated undersea fibre connection in Port Sudan. This major breakthrough has laid a critical foundation for reliable internet connectivity which will enhance communication, data exchange, and overall operational efficiency across UN agencies and the NGOs working in Sudan.

Crucially, it will also reduce dependency on current satellite communication services.

The service will be accessible to users in Port Sudan from early September. Thereafter, the service will be expanded to key accessible locations in Kassala, Gedaref, Dongola, Damazine, and Khartoum. Some planned locations, such as Kosti, are on hold due to intensified fighting and evacuations.

This achievement is not just a technical upgrade—it represents a vital step forward in ensuring the safety and security of teams on the ground. Reliable internet access is a lifeline in humanitarian operations, allowing responders to maintain continuous communication and deliver timely assistance to those in need, even in one of the most demanding environments.

Planned since ETC activation in Sudan in late 2023, the undersea fibre connectivity solution has been designed to ensure longer-term access to local services and infrastructure. It is built on joint efforts with partners and national service provider―SudaTel—to support long-term provision of services.

This initiative serves as a powerful example of how the ETC can lead in creating sustainable, independent connectivity solutions that could be replicated in other regions to bolster connectivity as aid in humanitarian and other constrained environments.