- Somcable leads fibre rollout to boost digital inclusion and enterprise growth in Somaliland.
- Industry hurdles include poor regulation and inconsistent access to international bandwidth.
Somcable drives digital growth through fibre expansion
Somcable is leading Somaliland’s telecom infrastructure shift with an ambitious rollout of fibre-backed services across the country. The company operates a high-capacity optical transmission network connecting key urban centres, driven by a goal of universal digital access. Its flagship Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) service is central to bridging the digital divide in Somaliland, offering users high-speed internet with greater reliability than traditional wireless models. By leveraging its long-haul and metropolitan fibre optic backbone, Somcable positions itself as a foundational player in the region’s telecommunications ecosystem.
The firm’s progress comes in a challenging context, with the Horn of Africa region lacking unified regulatory frameworks and consistent investment in ICT. In this environment, Somcable’s private-sector initiative stands out. The company has also introduced GPON technology, a significant upgrade over legacy systems, to enable scalable, secure, and high-capacity internet for businesses and households. As competition and demand rise, Somcable’s efforts signal a broader shift towards next-generation infrastructure in an underserved market.
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Somcable faces regulatory and industry hurdles
According to its overview, the telecom sector in Somaliland faces unique challenges—chief among them being unclear regulatory oversight, unreliable electricity infrastructure, and limited access to undersea cables. Somcable has had to navigate a fragmented ecosystem in which each provider builds and operates its own network, often duplicating effort and raising costs. The company has called for greater coordination, licensing reform, and transparent spectrum allocation to facilitate sustainable industry development.
Despite these hurdles, Somcable continues to innovate. Its investment in fibre infrastructure not only improves user access but also supports wider digital transformation across health, education, and commerce. The company’s expansion has had ripple effects in promoting e-governance, remote work, and online services. Industry watchers note that bridging Somaliland’s connectivity gaps will require both private-sector persistence and clearer government policy. As Somcable grows its network reach, it remains a critical actor in shaping the region’s long-term digital future.
