Gaetan Soltesz Takes the Helm at FAST Congo, Accelerating National Fibre Growth
Gaetan Soltesz, a telecom veteran with more than 25 years of international experience, has been named General Manager of FAST Congo. The joint‑venture, created in 2023 by Paratus Group and Global Broadband Solutions (GBS), is poised to become a pivotal wholesale connectivity player in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Soltesz’s arrival coincides with a crucial phase for the DRC’s digital infrastructure. Paratus Group aims to boost commercial growth, broaden the national fibre footprint, and cement FAST Congo’s status as a leading carrier across Central Africa.
One of Soltesz’s immediate priorities is to deepen partnerships that enhance the nation’s fibre network and to commercialise the existing backbone assets more aggressively. FAST Congo already runs a 600 km high‑capacity fibre corridor linking the coastal submarine‑cable landing stations to Kinshasa. Planned upgrades and capacity expansions are set to accommodate an expected surge in traffic, positioning the network as a backbone for future data demand.
“Connectivity infrastructure is a strategic enabler of economic development,” Soltesz affirmed. “By collaborating with public and private stakeholders, we can unlock greater value from existing assets while driving the country’s digital transformation.”
Paratus Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, Martin Cox, expressed confidence in the new appointment. “We’ve attracted the highest calibre of leader with Gaetan. His deep knowledge of African telecoms, proven leadership, and strategic vision will add real momentum to our expansion plans,” Cox said.
FAST Congo Expands Fibre Reach Under New Leadership
Before stepping into his current role, Soltesz spent five years as General Manager of Silicone Connect, where he launched the firm and grew it into a high‑capacity wholesale carrier with cross‑border reach. His earlier tenure included 17 years at Cisco, overseeing large‑scale cloud and networking programmes for major operators across the continent. This blend of hands‑on carrier experience and strategic programme leadership equips him to steer FAST Congo through the DRC’s evolving telecom landscape.
Soltesz’s track record suggests a focus on three core areas: infrastructure development, wholesale carrier strategy, and digital transformation. At FAST Congo, he plans to leverage these strengths by:
- Accelerating the rollout of additional fibre loops that connect underserved regions to the main backbone.
- Negotiating new partnership agreements with local ISPs, governmental bodies, and regional carriers to broaden service offerings.
- Deploying advanced network management tools to increase reliability and optimise traffic flow across the 600 km route.
The DRC, with its vast geography and growing demand for high‑speed internet, presents both challenges and opportunities. By expanding the wholesale fibre network, FAST Congo aims to reduce the cost of bandwidth for downstream providers, ultimately bringing more affordable internet to businesses and consumers alike.
Paratus Group itself is a pan‑African telecom powerhouse, operating in 16 countries across sub‑Equatorial Africa with points of presence in Europe, the UK, and the US. Over its 23‑year history, the group has invested heavily in infrastructure projects such as the East‑to‑West Africa fibre route, the Express Route from Johannesburg to global hubs, and the Paratus 500 initiative. These assets collectively support the mission to connect half a billion people across the region.
The partnership between Paratus Group and GBS, materialised as FAST Congo, reflects a broader trend of collaborative ventures aimed at closing the digital divide in Africa. With Soltesz at the helm, the joint‑venture is expected to accelerate its rollout plans, attract new commercial customers, and deepen its role as a backbone provider for the DRC’s burgeoning digital economy.
Industry observers note that the success of FAST Congo will hinge on its ability to navigate regulatory environments, secure sustainable financing, and maintain robust relationships with both local and international partners. Soltesz’s experience in negotiating complex stakeholder ecosystems should prove advantageous in these areas.
As the DRC moves toward greater digital integration, the expanded fibre network promised by FAST Congo could serve as a catalyst for sectors ranging from finance to education and health. Reliable, high‑capacity connectivity is increasingly viewed as essential infrastructure, comparable to roads and power grids, and Soltesz’s leadership is set to translate that vision into tangible progress.
In sum, Gaetan Soltesz’s appointment signals a decisive step forward for FAST Congo’s ambition to become a leading wholesale connectivity provider in Central Africa. By leveraging his extensive telecom background, the company plans to enlarge its fibre reach, strengthen commercial partnerships, and contribute significantly to the DRC’s digital future.