The cost of connecting South Africa’s broadband network to Europe will be cheaper than originally envisaged, according to the telecoms infrastructure group behind the project, however it will also take longer than expected.

The West Africa Cable System (WACS) will cost less than the $700m originally projected and suppliers are expected to be named by the end of March, said Andrew Mthembu, chairman of Broadband Infraco, which holds a 26% stake in the cable project.

Mthembu added that the cable would not be ready in time for the 2010 World Cup as hoped, but would instead be completed in 2011.

It is hoped that the WACS system, which will link Cape Town to the UK via at least 10 other countries, will increase broadband capacity and could also cut the high internet tariffs in South Africa.