(Ecofin Agency) - In Benin, data users will soon enjoy a better internet connectivity as the government, under its action plan (PAG), has launched on October 17, a project to develop telecom and ICT infrastructures (PDI2T). This was disclosed by Rafiatou Monrou (picture), the minister of digital economy and communication.

Initiated 12 months ago, the project will boost telecom operators’ access to data capacities.

The new data capacities which will be benefit operators and internet service providers (ISP) will be brought in by 974km of optic fiber added to the existing 1,060km network, to connect 67 communities providing them with a capacity ranging from 40Go to 800Go. To this adds 196km of optic fiber deployed to densify the 22km rehabilitated along the Grand Nokoué metropolitan network, and the provision of 34 sharing points.

Besides having access to services of better quality, Beninese will soon enjoy lower tariffs.

During the launching ceremony for the PDI2T, Djalil Assouma, the managing director of Benin Telecoms Infrastructures SA, has also made official the 2017-2018 interconnectivity catalogue of the company.

The new package offers presented by telecom operators have been reduced. From 75% to more than 90% on charges to access the national capacity grid; from 73% to 76% on IP transit operations on the BTI Cotonou backbone; of 90% on access fees; of about 90% on fees to access SAT3 and ACE submarine cables; from 25% to 30% on in-door and pylons co-location, and 15% on energy.