Fiber optics network to be ready by mid-2013

Plan to upgrade network speed and quality

The first part of the fiber optics’ Internet network will be ready for use by April 2013, according to the Ministry of Telecommunications. The project costs around $45 million. The plan involves interconnecting the central networks in the different regions using fiber optics. It also includes providing fiber optics connection to heavy users, including banks, hospitals, and universities. Heavy users will be offered high speed Internet at low fares.

“Introducing fiber optics will enhance the backbone in terms of both quality and speed,” said a senior staffer at the Ministry of Telecommunications. The ‘backbone’ refers to the part of the network which connects all the edge traffic, home and business DSL. “Connecting the backbone with fiber optics will allow it to carry higher volume of data while reducing congestion,” he said.

The second phase of the plan will be delivering connection through fiber optics for household and business usage. “This phase won’t be accomplished before five years.” Fiber optic networks will be set gradually. These networks will at first be installed at the level of central distribution stations, before being directly hooked to end-users. During this phase, the currently used DSL copper cables will be used to connect the distribution stations to end-users. “Using short DSL copper cables will grant users higher internet speed and better quality.”