KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: The Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) has disclosed that the recently unveiled internet speed enhancement service is currently benefiting regions that are linked to the optical fiber network, reports Al-Jarida daily. In its initial phase, this service encompasses 28 areas, notably including “Salwa, Rumaithiya, Al-Bida’a, Salmiya, Ras Al-Salmiya, Kuwait City, and Al-Fintas Agricultural,” reports Al- Jarida daily. This deployment is part of a two-phase rollout. In the subsequent phase, a total of 34 areas will be integrated, encompassing “Jaber Al-Ahmad, Al-Naseem, Al- Ardiya Industrial, Amghara Industrial, South Al-Sabahiya, Al-Mangaf, Bayan, Mishref, Mubarak Al-Abdullah, the coastal strip, Al-Maseelah, Al- Mahboula, Al-Aqila, Northwest Sulaibikhat, and Al-Qusour.”

This phase aims to cover around 122,000 residential units, equivalent to 55 percent of Kuwait’s population across its various governorates. Notably, the existing areas that lack optical fiber connectivity will remain without access to this service until they are incorporated into the optical fiber network. As per the disclosed information, the project’s third phase is presently in the preparatory stage and is expected to be finalized by 2027, adhering to the schedule outlined in the national development plan.

This upcoming phase targets providing 110,000 subscriptions within 64 areas, encompassing both established and newly developed regions. The sources emphasized the distinct advantages of the optical fiber network compared to wireless networks. They highlighted the stability of internet speed on the optical network as opposed to the variable and often unstable speeds observed in wireless networks.