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Study Guide: SEACOM Submarine Cable System: Infrastructure and Operations

Cheat Sheet:
SEACOM Submarine Cable System: Infrastructure and Operations Study Guide

SEACOM: Overview and Significance

SEACOM is a privately owned and operated broadband submarine cable system.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SEACOM system is characterized as a privately owned and operated broadband submarine cable infrastructure.

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What is SEACOM and what was its primary significance upon its launch?

Answer: Africa's first privately owned broadband submarine cable system, launched in 2009.

Explanation: SEACOM is identified as a privately owned and operated broadband submarine cable system. Its launch in 2009 was significant because it was the continent's first privately owned broadband submarine cable system.

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Project History and Launch

SEACOM's launch in 2009 marked the continent's second broadband submarine cable system.

Answer: False

Explanation: The launch of SEACOM in 2009 was significant as it represented the continent's first privately owned broadband submarine cable system, not the second.

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SEACOM officially commenced operations on July 23, 2009.

Answer: True

Explanation: The official commencement date for SEACOM's operations was July 23, 2009.

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The SEACOM cable system began its operations in late 2008.

Answer: False

Explanation: SEACOM officially commenced operations on July 23, 2009, not in late 2008.

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Kenya and Tanzania were among the initial African countries connected by SEACOM upon its launch.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kenya and Tanzania were indeed among the initial African nations connected by the SEACOM cable system at its launch.

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Upon its launch, SEACOM connected only Southern African countries like South Africa and Mozambique.

Answer: False

Explanation: SEACOM's initial connections included countries beyond just Southern Africa, encompassing East African nations like Kenya and Tanzania, in addition to South Africa and Mozambique.

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Simultaneous launch events for SEACOM were held in Mombasa, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Answer: True

Explanation: The official activation of the SEACOM cable system was marked by simultaneous launch events conducted in Mombasa, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

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The official launch events for SEACOM were held exclusively in South Africa.

Answer: False

Explanation: The official launch events for SEACOM were held simultaneously in Mombasa, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, not exclusively in South Africa.

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On what date did the SEACOM cable system officially begin operations?

Answer: July 23, 2009

Explanation: The official commencement date for SEACOM's operations was July 23, 2009.

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Which pair of countries were *not* among the initial African connections for SEACOM upon its launch in 2009?

Answer: Nigeria and Ghana

Explanation: The initial African countries connected by SEACOM upon its launch in 2009 were Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. Nigeria and Ghana were not among these initial connections.

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Where were the simultaneous official launch events held for the SEACOM cable system?

Answer: Mombasa, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Explanation: The official activation of the SEACOM cable system was marked by simultaneous launch events conducted in Mombasa, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

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Technical Infrastructure and Technology

The SEACOM cable system spans approximately 17,000 miles in length.

Answer: False

Explanation: The SEACOM cable system's length is approximately 17,000 kilometers, which translates to roughly 10,563 miles. Therefore, the statement that it spans 17,000 miles is incorrect.

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Fiber optics technology is the core technology used by the SEACOM cable system.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SEACOM cable system fundamentally relies on fiber optics technology for the transmission of data signals.

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The SEACOM cable system primarily uses satellite technology for its backbone.

Answer: False

Explanation: The SEACOM cable system utilizes fiber optics technology, not satellite technology, as its primary means of data transmission.

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The SEACOM cable employs varying levels of armouring based on water depth for protection.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SEACOM cable's construction incorporates varying protective layers, including different levels of armouring, tailored to the specific water depths encountered along its route.

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Lightweight cable without armour is exclusively used in shallow water sections of the SEACOM system.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lightweight cable without armour is utilized in deep water sections of the SEACOM system, while shallower waters typically feature more extensive armouring for protection.

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SEACOM uses specialized optical fibers like dispersion-shifted and non-zero dispersion-shifted types.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SEACOM cable system employs specialized optical fibers, including dispersion-shifted and non-zero dispersion-shifted types, designed to manage signal degradation over extensive distances.

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SEACOM exclusively uses standard single-mode optical fibers.

Answer: False

Explanation: SEACOM utilizes specialized optical fibers, such as dispersion-shifted and non-zero dispersion-shifted types, in addition to potentially standard single-mode fibers, to optimize performance.

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Optical amplifier repeaters, specifically erbium-doped ones, are used in the SEACOM system.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SEACOM system incorporates optical amplifier repeaters, specifically utilizing erbium-doped amplifiers to maintain signal strength across the network.

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SEACOM employs simple signal boosters, not optical amplifiers, as repeaters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The repeaters utilized in the SEACOM system are optical amplifiers, specifically erbium-doped ones, designed to boost signal strength over long distances.

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The primary role of SEACOM's repeaters is to amplify optical signals to maintain signal strength over long distances.

Answer: True

Explanation: The repeaters integrated into the SEACOM cable system function as optical amplifiers, tasked with boosting signal strength to counteract attenuation over the extensive distances covered.

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Repeaters in the SEACOM system are designed to compress data signals to save bandwidth.

Answer: False

Explanation: The repeaters in the SEACOM system are optical amplifiers designed to amplify signals, not to compress data or save bandwidth.

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SEACOM uses lightweight, unarmored cable in deep water sections to protect the infrastructure.

Answer: True

Explanation: The construction of the SEACOM cable system incorporates specific protective measures based on water depth, utilizing lightweight, unarmored cable in deep water sections to ensure operational integrity.

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SEACOM utilizes fiber optics technology for transmitting data.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SEACOM cable system fundamentally relies on fiber optics technology for the transmission of data signals.

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SEACOM uses copper wires for data transmission within its submarine cable.

Answer: False

Explanation: SEACOM utilizes fiber optics technology for data transmission, not copper wires.

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The cross-section image of a submarine cable illustrates the layered structure and materials of a submarine communications cable.

Answer: True

Explanation: The cross-section image of a submarine cable illustrates its complex layered structure and the various materials employed in its construction, from protective sheathing to the core optical fibers.

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What is the approximate length of the SEACOM cable system in miles?

Answer: Approximately 10,563 miles.

Explanation: The SEACOM cable system's length is approximately 17,000 kilometers, which translates to roughly 10,563 miles.

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What technology does SEACOM primarily utilize for data transmission within its submarine cable system?

Answer: Fiber optics.

Explanation: The SEACOM cable system fundamentally relies on fiber optics technology for the transmission of data signals.

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How does SEACOM protect its cable in different water depths according to the source?

Answer: It uses varying protective layers, including double armour in shallower waters and lightweight cable in deep waters.

Explanation: The SEACOM cable's construction incorporates varying protective layers, including double armouring in shallower waters and lightweight cable in deep water sections, tailored to the specific environmental conditions.

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Which types of optical fibers are mentioned as being used within the SEACOM cable?

Answer: Dispersion-shifted and non-zero dispersion-shifted fibers.

Explanation: The SEACOM cable system employs specialized optical fibers, including dispersion-shifted and non-zero dispersion-shifted types, to optimize signal transmission.

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What is the function of the optical amplifier repeaters used in the SEACOM system?

Answer: To amplify optical signals, boosting their strength.

Explanation: The repeaters integrated into the SEACOM cable system function as optical amplifiers, tasked with boosting signal strength to counteract attenuation over the extensive distances covered.

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What does the cross-section image of a submarine cable, as described in the source, illustrate?

Answer: The layered structure and materials of a submarine communications cable.

Explanation: The cross-section image of a submarine cable illustrates its complex layered structure and the various materials employed in its construction, from protective sheathing to the core optical fibers.

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Capacity and Performance

The SEACOM cable system was designed with a potential capacity of 12 Terabits per second.

Answer: True

Explanation: The design specifications for the SEACOM cable system included a total potential capacity of 12 Terabits per second (Tbit/s).

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SEACOM's currently lit capacity is 12 Tbit/s, matching its designed capacity.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the designed capacity is 12 Tbit/s, the currently lit capacity is reported as 4.2 Tbit/s, indicating that the actively used capacity does not match the total design capacity.

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The August 2020 capacity upgrade by SEACOM aimed to reduce its total network capacity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The August 2020 capacity upgrade by SEACOM was intended to increase, not reduce, its total network capacity by adding 1.7 Tbit/s.

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SEACOM has implemented multiple capacity upgrades since its initial launch, including reaching 12 Tbit/s in 2014 and adding more capacity in 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source details multiple capacity upgrades for SEACOM, including reaching 12 Tbit/s in 2014 and further enhancements in 2020.

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SEACOM's capacity has remained static at 12 Tbit/s since its 2014 upgrade.

Answer: False

Explanation: SEACOM's capacity has not remained static; it was upgraded to 12 Tbit/s in 2014 and further capacity was added in 2020.

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'Tbit/s' signifies Terabits per second, a measure of high-speed data transfer.

Answer: True

Explanation: The abbreviation 'Tbit/s' denotes Terabits per second, which is a standard unit for quantifying high-speed data transfer rates.

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Tbit/s in the context of SEACOM refers to 'Thousands of Bits per second'.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Tbit/s' signifies Terabits per second, representing trillions of bits per second, not thousands.

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What was the designed capacity of the SEACOM cable system?

Answer: 12 Terabits per second (Tbit/s).

Explanation: The design specifications for the SEACOM cable system included a total potential capacity of 12 Terabits per second (Tbit/s).

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Which of the following best describes the currently utilized capacity of SEACOM as mentioned in the source?

Answer: It is 4.2 Tbit/s, representing the portion actively in use.

Explanation: The source explicitly states that the currently lit capacity of the SEACOM cable system is 4.2 Terabits per second (Tbit/s), representing the portion actively in use.

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What was the primary driver for the capacity upgrade announced by SEACOM in August 2020?

Answer: To address the surging demand for internet connectivity.

Explanation: In August 2020, SEACOM announced a capacity upgrade primarily to address the escalating demand for internet connectivity along Africa's eastern and southern coasts.

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Which statement accurately reflects SEACOM's capacity upgrades mentioned in the source?

Answer: Capacity increased to 2.6 Tbit/s in 2012 and 12 Tbit/s in 2014.

Explanation: The source details several capacity upgrades for SEACOM, including reaching 2.6 Tbit/s in 2012 and subsequently 12 Tbit/s in 2014.

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What does the term 'Tbit/s' represent in the context of SEACOM's capacity?

Answer: Trillions of bits per second

Explanation: In the context of SEACOM's capacity, 'Tbit/s' represents Terabits per second, signifying a data transfer rate of trillions of bits per second, indicative of high-speed telecommunications.

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Ownership, Funding, and Investment

SEACOM is a privately funded entity with a specific ownership structure involving multiple private investors.

Answer: True

Explanation: SEACOM is characterized as a privately funded enterprise with an ownership structure comprising various private investors and investment firms.

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SEACOM is a state-owned enterprise funded by African governments.

Answer: False

Explanation: SEACOM is a privately funded entity, not a state-owned enterprise funded by African governments.

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The initial private investment for the SEACOM project amounted to US$375 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: The initial private investment dedicated to the SEACOM project amounted to US$375 million.

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The initial private investment for SEACOM was less than $100 million.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial private investment for SEACOM totaled US$375 million, which is significantly more than $100 million.

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Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) contributed both equity and debt financing to SEACOM.

Answer: True

Explanation: The investment from Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) was structured to include both equity and debt financing components.

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Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) provided $75 million solely as equity for SEACOM.

Answer: False

Explanation: The $75 million investment from Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) was composed of $15 million in equity and $60.4 million in debt, not solely equity.

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The total estimated cost for the SEACOM project falls within the range of $600 million to $650 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the provided information, the estimated total cost for the SEACOM project falls within the range of $600 million to $650 million.

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The total cost of the SEACOM project was definitively reported as $500 million.

Answer: False

Explanation: The estimated total cost for the SEACOM project is reported to be between $600 million and $650 million, not definitively $500 million.

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Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) and Remgro are the largest shareholders in SEACOM, each holding a 30% stake.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the ownership structure, Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) and Remgro are indeed the largest shareholders, each possessing a 30% stake in SEACOM.

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Convergence Partners holds the largest ownership stake in SEACOM at 30%.

Answer: False

Explanation: Convergence Partners holds a 15% stake in SEACOM; Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) and Remgro hold the largest stakes at 30% each.

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Brian Herlihy is listed as a shareholder in SEACOM.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brian Herlihy is identified as a shareholder in SEACOM, holding a 10% stake.

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Brian Herlihy holds a 20% stake in SEACOM.

Answer: False

Explanation: Brian Herlihy holds a 10% stake in SEACOM, not 20%.

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What is the ownership structure of SEACOM?

Answer: It is privately funded with stakes held by multiple investment firms and individuals.

Explanation: SEACOM operates as a privately funded entity. Its ownership is distributed among Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) and Remgro (each holding 30%), Sanlam and Convergence Partners (each holding 15%), and Brian Herlihy (holding 10%).

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What was the total initial private investment for the SEACOM project?

Answer: US$375 million

Explanation: The initial private investment dedicated to the SEACOM project amounted to US$375 million.

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How did Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) structure its $75 million investment in SEACOM?

Answer: As a combination of equity ($15 million) and debt ($60.4 million).

Explanation: Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) structured its $75 million investment in SEACOM as a combination of $15 million in equity and $60.4 million in debt, with the debt component financed by the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund and FMO.

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What is the estimated total cost range for the SEACOM project, according to the source?

Answer: $600 million to $650 million

Explanation: According to the provided information, the estimated total cost for the SEACOM project falls within the range of $600 million to $650 million.

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According to the ownership structure provided, which entity holds a 15% stake in SEACOM?

Answer: Sanlam

Explanation: The ownership structure indicates that Sanlam holds a 15% stake in SEACOM, alongside other investors.

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What was the purpose of the initial US$375 million private investment in SEACOM?

Answer: To finance the construction and launch of the cable system.

Explanation: The substantial initial private investment of US$375 million was primarily allocated to finance the construction and launch of the SEACOM cable system.

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Network Reach and Operations

Frankfurt, Germany is one of the European cities with a SEACOM on-net point of presence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Frankfurt, Germany, is indeed listed as one of the European cities featuring a SEACOM on-net point of presence, alongside Amsterdam, London, Marseille, and Slough.

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SEACOM's on-net European network includes points of presence in multiple countries, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and France.

Answer: True

Explanation: SEACOM's established on-net European network encompasses points of presence in several countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, and France.

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SEACOM leverages third-party networks to extend services to European locations not directly on its network.

Answer: True

Explanation: SEACOM extends its service reach to European locations not directly served by its own network by leveraging the infrastructure of third-party networks.

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SEACOM only offers services in Europe where it has direct on-net network presence.

Answer: False

Explanation: SEACOM extends its services to European locations beyond its direct on-net presence by utilizing third-party networks.

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The SEACOM cable system provides a link between Africa and Asia via Tanzania and Mumbai, India.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SEACOM cable system facilitates a connection between Africa and Asia through its segment linking Tanzania to Mumbai, India.

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The SEACOM cable connects Africa to Asia via a route from South Africa to France.

Answer: False

Explanation: The SEACOM cable connects Africa to Asia via Tanzania and Mumbai, India, not through a route from South Africa to France.

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SEACOM's partner network extends its reach to locations like Ghana and South Africa beyond its direct landing points.

Answer: True

Explanation: SEACOM's partner network includes landing points in locations such as Ghana and South Africa, extending its reach beyond its direct landing points.

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SEACOM's partner network includes landing points only in Nigeria and the UAE.

Answer: False

Explanation: SEACOM's partner network extends to locations including Ghana and South Africa, not solely Nigeria and the UAE.

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The SEACOM cable system connects Africa's eastern and southern coasts to Europe via its primary route.

Answer: True

Explanation: The SEACOM cable system's primary route connects Africa's eastern and southern coasts to Europe.

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Which of the following cities is NOT listed as part of SEACOM's on-net European network?

Answer: Berlin, Germany

Explanation: Based on the provided information, Berlin, Germany, is not listed among the SEACOM on-net European points of presence, which include Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Marseille, and Slough.

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How does SEACOM extend its service reach to European locations not directly covered by its own network?

Answer: By utilizing third-party networks.

Explanation: SEACOM extends its service reach to European locations not directly served by its own network by leveraging the infrastructure of third-party networks.

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How does SEACOM connect Africa to Asia?

Answer: Through a route connecting Tanzania to Mumbai, India.

Explanation: SEACOM establishes a connection between Africa and Asia through its specific cable segment that runs from Tanzania to Mumbai, India.

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Which European city serves as a primary landing point for the SEACOM cable system connecting Africa to Europe?

Answer: Marseille, France

Explanation: Marseille, France, serves as a primary landing point for the SEACOM cable system on the European continent, connecting it to Africa.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a SEACOM on-net European point of presence (PoP)?

Answer: Dublin, Ireland

Explanation: Based on the provided information, Dublin, Ireland, is not listed among the SEACOM on-net European points of presence, which include Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Marseille, and Slough.

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Corporate Identity and Management

Oliver Fortuin holds the position of Group Chief Executive Officer at SEACOM.

Answer: True

Explanation: Oliver Fortuin holds the position of Group Chief Executive Officer at SEACOM.

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Oliver Fortuin is the Chief Financial Officer of SEACOM.

Answer: False

Explanation: Oliver Fortuin serves as the Group Chief Executive Officer of SEACOM, not the Chief Financial Officer.

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The official website for SEACOM can be accessed at seacom.com.

Answer: True

Explanation: The official website for SEACOM is accessible at the domain seacom.com.

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The official SEACOM website is seacom.africa.

Answer: False

Explanation: The official website for SEACOM is seacom.com, not seacom.africa.

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The 'See also' section in the SEACOM article primarily lists related submarine cable systems and topics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'See also' section of the SEACOM article primarily serves to list related submarine cable systems and relevant topics, offering pathways to further information on similar infrastructure and regional connectivity.

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Who serves as the Group Chief Executive Officer of SEACOM?

Answer: Oliver Fortuin

Explanation: Oliver Fortuin holds the position of Group Chief Executive Officer at SEACOM.

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What is the official website address for SEACOM?

Answer: www.seacom.com

Explanation: The official website for SEACOM is accessible at the domain seacom.com.

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What is the 'See also' section in the SEACOM article primarily lists what type of information?

Answer: Related submarine cable systems and topics.

Explanation: The 'See also' section of the SEACOM article primarily serves to list related submarine cable systems and relevant topics, offering pathways to further information on similar infrastructure and regional connectivity.

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