Google’s O3b Networks -vs- EASSy. Fight! Part 2

EASSy SLEEPING AT THE WHEEL

Since it’s inception in 2002/2003, the EASSy “cartel” has been plagued by enough in-fighting, political wrangling and policy disputes among it’s 13 protocol signatories that the project has been on a perpetual “delayed” status since launch. The prolonged delays have allowed disgruntled partners to launch their own initiatives. EASSy’s published “System Ready for Commercial Service (RfCS)” date is Q2 2010—right in the middle of the critical 2009/2010 launch window that will see not just O3b Networks, but three of these off-shoot providers vying for position in the East African undersea cable space.

A 2010 EASSy completion equates to a 7-year gestation period, and a prime example of Africa’s inability to act collaboratively on high stakes projects. It remains to be seen if EASSy’s self-imposed completion date will follow the long list of missed RfCS dates. The much maligned consortium is not even being open with information on it’s progress thus far. As of publication of this article, EASSy had not replied to any of my inquiries about the project. I have to wonder if it’s existence is simply ceremonial.

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